+ Reply to Thread
Results 1 to 32 of 32

Thread: Feeling antsy

  1. 01-18-2010 01:46 AM #1
    Vida van der Walt
    Vida van der Walt is offline
    BPN Member Vida van der Walt's Avatar
    Member Number
    1658
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    South Africa
    Posts
    750
    Threads
    31

    Default Feeling antsy

    This is a little long horned grasshopper and it is an ant mimic. It is about the same size as one of the medium sized ant species and can easily be mistaken for an ant at first glance. When I found this one in my garden I thought it would be great if I could manage a shot of it jumping (as with my shot of the jumping spider's jump). After many, many unsuccessful shots I had to give up and return this little guy to my garden for a well deserved rest. Now I only have shots of it sitting on the leaf before a jump and many empty frames. I can't help wondering how cool the shot would have been if the grasshopper was in the air.
    The bg is one of the lovely hibiscus flowers from my garden. The inner part of the flower is pink and gradually changes to orange and yellow. It is not noise you see on the legs and body but a very fine texture that is also present in the original RAW file.
    MP E65mm; MT 24EX
    apert f16; ss 1/200; iso 100
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  2. 01-18-2010 04:29 AM #2
    Ramesh Adkoli
    Ramesh Adkoli is offline
    BPN Member Ramesh Adkoli's Avatar
    Member Number
    1705
    Join Date
    Jul 2009
    Location
    Bangalore, India
    Posts
    434
    Threads
    82

    Default

    What a great image, Vida! Details, posture, compositon and BG... everything works just great. You are making some amazing images with that lens. TFS. BTW, what was the working distance here?

    regards,
    ramesh
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  3. 01-18-2010 05:25 AM #3
    Mike Moats
    Mike Moats is offline
    Macro Moderator Mike Moats's Avatar
    Member Number
    241
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    2,722
    Threads
    226

    Default

    Hey Vida, awesome details and excellent composition. Really like the placement with the antenaes flowing to the top. Great color.
    Mike Moats
    www.MikeMoatsBooks.com
    www.tinylandscapes.com
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  4. 01-18-2010 06:51 AM #4
    Anita Bower
    Anita Bower is online now
    BPN Member Anita Bower's Avatar
    Member Number
    1358
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    West Nottingham, PA, USA
    Posts
    1,743
    Threads
    113

    Default

    Perfect! The thumbnail jumped out at me and the full image wows me. Love the composition, those long antenae flowing up into the gorgeous BG colors, the leaf, the position of the grasshoper, the details. Excellent! Never thought I would enjoy a photo of a grasshopper!!!!
    Anita Bower
    www.anitabower.aminus3.com
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  5. 01-18-2010 09:09 AM #5
    Joe Brown
    Joe Brown is offline
    BPN Member Joe Brown's Avatar
    Member Number
    1763
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Perth ON Canada
    Posts
    164
    Threads
    24

    Default

    Great pose, composition, colours, detail/sharpness, of a very unique insect. It would be nice to have just a but more room at the top above the tentacle.

    Joe
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  6. 01-18-2010 09:13 AM #6
    Ignacio Yufera
    Ignacio Yufera is offline
    BPN Member Ignacio Yufera's Avatar
    Member Number
    1752
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Madrid, Spain
    Posts
    207
    Threads
    44

    Default

    This looks surreal (in a good way of course), almost like a painting. I love how the antennae direct the eye toward the pink. Amazing sharpness and detail.
    Ignacio Yúfera
    Madrid, Spain
    www.iyufera.com
    www.emberiza.org
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  7. 01-18-2010 09:33 AM #7
    Ken Childs
    Ken Childs is offline
    BPN Member Ken Childs's Avatar
    Member Number
    1818
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Mifflin, TN
    Posts
    1,101
    Threads
    186

    Default

    This shots looks almost alien! I completely agree with what the others have already said.

    I'm glad you told us what this is or else I might have thought it was one of those Chimera edits from Worth 1000.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  8. 01-18-2010 10:48 AM #8
    Vida van der Walt
    Vida van der Walt is offline
    BPN Member Vida van der Walt's Avatar
    Member Number
    1658
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    South Africa
    Posts
    750
    Threads
    31

    Default

    Hi Ramesh, Mike, Anita, Joe, Ignacio and Ken. Your great comments are much appreciated. Joe, you are right and my image was actually 650 x 816 but when I tried to upload it I got a message that said it was too large. I thought that I'm allowed to post 800 on the longest side and only realized after wards that they mean 800 on the vertical. So, being a bit lazy I cropped a little bit of the top and bottom to get to 800.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  9. 01-19-2010 11:21 AM #9
    Julie Kenward
    Julie Kenward is offline
    Eager To Learn Moderator Julie Kenward's Avatar
    Member Number
    351
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Kansas City, Missouri
    Posts
    9,105
    Threads
    579
    Blog Entries
    3

    Default

    I see we're finally back up and running! And what a treat to come back and find this image waiting for us, Vida. Lovely colors and incredible DOF. I think I might be skipping over my purchase of the 180mm for the one you're using - these images are fantastic!

    I really can't find anything to criticize but I am sorry you didn't get the image you were after. I can only imagine how incredible THAT would have been - but this is no second place image, that's for sure!
    Jules

    Jules K Photography Website

    My BPN gallery
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  10. 01-19-2010 11:27 AM #10
    Geurt Bloem
    Geurt Bloem is offline
    BPN Member Geurt Bloem's Avatar
    Member Number
    91
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Pretoria, South AFrica
    Posts
    277
    Threads
    18

    Default

    Shees Vida and you wanted this one to jump!:eek: I'd love to have a single opportunity just to see this insect

    Lovely image and I love the design of the bg colours. The one in focus and one oof antlers just makes it so interesting for me. Works very, very well.
    Geurt Bloem
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/africanscapes/
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  11. 01-19-2010 11:30 AM #11
    Charles Wesley
    Charles Wesley is offline
    BPN Member Charles Wesley's Avatar
    Member Number
    1495
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    St. Augustine Beach, FL
    Posts
    751
    Threads
    110

    Default

    Vida,

    Love the composition and your colorful floral BG. I think you're getting me into insects again.
    Keep them coming...

    PS Jules don't stop thinking about the 180. Get them both.
    ____________________
    Charlie Wesley
    St. Augustine Beach, FL
    " Come into the Light of things, Let Nature be your teacher "
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  12. 01-19-2010 11:44 AM #12
    Vida van der Walt
    Vida van der Walt is offline
    BPN Member Vida van der Walt's Avatar
    Member Number
    1658
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    South Africa
    Posts
    750
    Threads
    31

    Default

    Hi Jules, Geurt and Charles. Thank you for the lovely comments. It made my day. Geurt, it is great to see another South African on the site. Ramesh, I'm sorry, I forgot to answer your question. The working distance here was approximately 6cm. Joe, that 800 on the longest side should read 1024.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  13. 01-19-2010 12:00 PM #13
    Callie de Wet
    Callie de Wet is offline
    BPN Member Callie de Wet's Avatar
    Member Number
    1782
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Egoli, South Africa
    Posts
    347
    Threads
    39

    Default

    Pragtig, Vida! I love everything, also to "meet" Geurt here too! What lens are you using - I see the Canon FLASH name, but not the lens, is it a click on screw on or just straight Canon Macro?
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  14. 01-19-2010 12:10 PM #14
    Vida van der Walt
    Vida van der Walt is offline
    BPN Member Vida van der Walt's Avatar
    Member Number
    1658
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    South Africa
    Posts
    750
    Threads
    31

    Default

    Hi Callie. Great to "meet" you too! I use a Canon MP E 65mm lens and macro twin flash. It is a very unique macro lens that can magnify up to 5x and it opens up a whole new world of wonderful little creatures.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  15. 01-19-2010 12:18 PM #15
    Callie de Wet
    Callie de Wet is offline
    BPN Member Callie de Wet's Avatar
    Member Number
    1782
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Egoli, South Africa
    Posts
    347
    Threads
    39

    Default

    Thanks Vida, one-up for Canon! I thought you were using a Raynox lens.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  16. 01-19-2010 12:54 PM #16
    Declan Troy
    Declan Troy is offline
    Forum Participant
    Member Number
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Anchorage
    Posts
    262
    Threads
    36

    Default

    Wow. One could debate what is better, the grasshopper or the background but why quibble when you have the both. In the avian forum the HAP might take small issue on the grasshopper but it would be a small issue.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  17. 01-19-2010 03:54 PM #17
    Jerry van Dijk
    Jerry van Dijk is offline
    BPN Member Jerry van Dijk's Avatar
    Member Number
    1707
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    The Netherlands
    Posts
    621
    Threads
    73

    Default

    Hallo Vida, another gorgeous bug! I thought I'd seen a lot of insects, but this one is a first for me! Are they common around where you live? Nothing further too add to all the compliments already given except that your BG's really make your images something special.
    Kind regards,
    - Jerry -

    My BPN albums
    Website (academic)
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  18. 01-19-2010 08:46 PM #18
    Paul Marcellini
    Paul Marcellini is offline
    BPN Member Paul Marcellini's Avatar
    Member Number
    1223
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Miami, Fl
    Posts
    803
    Threads
    117

    Default

    Wow, this is fantastic. Great work! The comp and background color are great.
    Paul Marcellini Photography
    Facebook Fanpage
    Twitter
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  19. 01-19-2010 10:33 PM #19
    Don Lacy
    Don Lacy is offline
    BPN Member Don Lacy's Avatar
    Member Number
    859
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    SE Florida
    Posts
    1,011
    Threads
    129

    Default

    Wow Vida, I know we are suppose to post a constructive comment or critique but you know sometimes Wow is all that is needed
    Don Lacy
    Humankind has not woven the web of life.
    We are but one thread within it.
    Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.
    All things are bound together.
    All things connect

    Chief Seattle, 1854
    My Web Site
    http://lacy.smugmug.com/
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  20. 01-20-2010 12:40 AM #20
    Vida van der Walt
    Vida van der Walt is offline
    BPN Member Vida van der Walt's Avatar
    Member Number
    1658
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    South Africa
    Posts
    750
    Threads
    31

    Default

    Hi Declan, Jerry, Paul and Don. I never expected the great response to my shot and thank you very much. Jerry, they are not common, I've only found another one of these once before (both times in my garden) in the 2 years I've been actively searching for insects.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  21. 01-20-2010 08:58 AM #21
    Christopher Miller
    Christopher Miller is offline
    BPN Member Christopher Miller's Avatar
    Member Number
    1615
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Location
    Massachusetts
    Posts
    3,189
    Threads
    340

    Default

    Wow!!! Fantastic shot, Vida! The composition is perfect and the BG is beyond belief. You are doing a terrific job with these insect macros!
    God Bless
    Christopher

    My BPN Galleries
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  22. 01-20-2010 01:21 PM #22
    Arthur Morris
    Arthur Morris is offline
    Publisher Arthur Morris's Avatar
    Member Number
    1
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Indian Lake Estates, FL
    Posts
    14,659
    Threads
    621

    Default

    Vida, This is astounding. It must take a lot of patience and work with that lens.... This one is fresh and bold and the sharpness on the body is astounding. I hope to see some more of your creations.
    later and love, artie......... Arthur Morris/BIRDS AS ART

    The 7D, MIII, & MIV Users Guides, ABP & ABP II, Digital Basics, BAA Site Guides, Mongoose & Wimberly products, Lens Coats, Delkin Stuff, Gitzo Tripods, educational CDs, and tons more from the BIRDS AS ART On-Line Store.

    The BIRDS AS ART Blog: Great info and lessons, lots of images with our legendary BAA educational Captions, and links to the web site and lots more Great Stuff.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  23. 01-20-2010 07:29 PM #23
    Mike Fuhr
    Mike Fuhr is offline
    BPN Member Mike Fuhr's Avatar
    Member Number
    1422
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Oklahoma
    Posts
    510
    Threads
    93

    Default

    Looks like a future image of the week to me!!
    Mike Fuhr


    There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs. -- Ansel Adams

    www.fuhrphotography.smugmug.com
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  24. 01-20-2010 10:07 PM #24
    Ed Cordes
    Ed Cordes is offline
    BPN Member Ed Cordes's Avatar
    Member Number
    353
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Corning, NY
    Posts
    2,230
    Threads
    176

    Default

    I just have to add that I also think this is stunning! The flower BG looks like a Sunset. Could be used for a movie studio poster for the newest end of world film. The insects will always survive.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  25. 01-21-2010 12:52 AM #25
    Vida van der Walt
    Vida van der Walt is offline
    BPN Member Vida van der Walt's Avatar
    Member Number
    1658
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    South Africa
    Posts
    750
    Threads
    31

    Default

    Hi Christopher, Artie, Mike and Ed. Thank you all for the wonderful feedback. Highly appreciated.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  26. 01-21-2010 09:43 AM #26
    Stuart Bowie
    Stuart Bowie is offline
    BPN Member Stuart Bowie's Avatar
    Member Number
    1460
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Centurion, South Africa
    Posts
    7,745
    Threads
    470

    Default

    Hi Vida, what can I say after all the accolades above - your exceptional talent shows up once again, and take a bow.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  27. 01-22-2010 12:35 PM #27
    Vida van der Walt
    Vida van der Walt is offline
    BPN Member Vida van der Walt's Avatar
    Member Number
    1658
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    South Africa
    Posts
    750
    Threads
    31

    Default

    Hi Stu. Thank you so much and highly appreciated.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  28. 01-26-2010 04:04 AM #28
    Ákos Lumnitzer
    Ákos Lumnitzer is offline
    Lifetime Member
    Member Number
    LTM3
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Sydney, Australia
    Posts
    5,558
    Threads
    349

    Default

    Excellent comp, colors and work. I am speechless. Great effort with that lens for sure.
    Leave only footprints.......... My blog
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  29. 01-27-2010 08:49 AM #29
    Vida van der Walt
    Vida van der Walt is offline
    BPN Member Vida van der Walt's Avatar
    Member Number
    1658
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    South Africa
    Posts
    750
    Threads
    31

    Default

    Thank you for the lovely comments Akos. Much appreciated.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  30. 01-29-2010 06:56 PM #30
    Bob Allen
    Bob Allen is offline
    BPN Member Bob Allen's Avatar
    Member Number
    1203
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Mission Viejo, California
    Posts
    141
    Threads
    7

    Default

    Awesome! Cover of a book?
    Bob Allen
    http://www.boballenphotography.com/
    Scientific Photography & Natural History Field Guides
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  31. 02-28-2010 09:58 AM #31
    Harshad Barve
    Harshad Barve is offline
    BPN Member Harshad Barve's Avatar
    Member Number
    1507
    Join Date
    May 2009
    Location
    Auranagabad ( Maharashtra ) India
    Posts
    9,225
    Threads
    519

    Default

    this image is ridiculously beautiful
    TFS
    Save to Shoot
    INDIA WORKSHOPS 2011
    Kenya Migration Photo Safari -Aug-2011
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
  32. 03-06-2010 10:43 AM #32
    Vida van der Walt
    Vida van der Walt is offline
    BPN Member Vida van der Walt's Avatar
    Member Number
    1658
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    South Africa
    Posts
    750
    Threads
    31

    Default

    Bob, Harshad, sorry for the late reply. I don't know how I missed this. Thanks a lot and your comments are much appreciated.
    Reply With Quote Reply With Quote
+ Reply to Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts

Forum Rules