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Thread: Red-winged Black Bird (female) w/ Praying Mantis

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    Default Red-winged Black Bird (female) w/ Praying Mantis

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    Had my second outing this morning with my new-to-me 500mm. Migrating from a hand held 300 f4 is taking a bit of practice but am enjoying the experience.

    The male was over head keeping a watchful eye while this female dropped down into some tall grasses and presumably delivered her catch to a waiting juvenile (not seen). Comments welcomed and are appreciated.

    Image Details: 7D, 500mm f/4 IS, 1.4x II, 1/500 @ f/5.6, ISO 400
    Last edited by Craig Clute; 08-01-2011 at 04:55 PM.

  2. #2
    Ofer Levy
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    Very nice! Prey is a great bonus! Would tone down the perch a bit more.

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    Lifetime Member Marina Scarr's Avatar
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    You did a great job with this one too, and what a bonus to get the prey. Agree with Ofer on burning the perch a bit. Lovely BG. Looks as though you are doing well with your new toy!
    Marina Scarr
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    BPN Member Bob Pelkey's Avatar
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    Who's to slap the federal fine for the kill of the protected insect species? The background is perfectly out of focus. Had you considered darkening the tree stump a bit?

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    Super Moderator Daniel Cadieux's Avatar
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    This is a good image, but darkening the perch will make it excellent. Love the prey (or is it pray?) item...

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    Thanks for the great feedback -- much appreciated. I did one round of burning on the stump originally, but was hesitant to go too far as I find my technique lacking. After some thought, went back to the raw file, reduced the exposure and created a layer for the darkened stump. A little work with a layer mask and voila. I'd love to hear your thoughts on round #2. Did I go too far in the other direction with the stump?


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    Super Moderator Daniel Cadieux's Avatar
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    Craig, your image is much stronger now with the stump toned down...well done!!

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    Thanks Daniel.

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    Art Kornienko
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    Re worked stump makes it so much better. Handheld?

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    Quote Originally Posted by Art Kornienko View Post
    Re worked stump makes it so much better. Handheld?
    Thanks Art. Nope, shot mounted on my Wimberley and Gitzo. Once I have mastered my new tripod/lens set-up I'll venture off and try some hand held attempts. I am impressed by those that can do it, not to mention those that hand hold the 600 with a TC added.

    Ok, here's my final post of this shot -- darkened stump and used the same exposure technique on the Praying Mantis to add some detail and to tone down it's back. Hope it works.

    Thanks again for all of the comments -- you've made my image much better.


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