They're Here
One of absolute favorites to photograph!
One of absolute favorites to photograph!
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Aug, 2020Views
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Awards
Top Shot Award 21
Legendary Award
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Peer Award
Superior Skill
Outstanding Creativity
Superb Composition
Magnificent Capture
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Behind The Lens
Location
I found this little guy in a Hibiscus plant in the backyard (they love hanging out in those plants).Time
The sun just went down so it was somewhat dark when I found him.Lighting
I typically shoot everything with natural light, but since the sun just went down, I had my husband hold a flashlight on him, which really brought out the features and made it look a bit like an alien (well they are alien-like already, but even more so when you use a flashlight). :)Equipment
NikonD750 (handheld); Sigma ART 105mm Macro Lens. This was actually one of my first shots with my new Macro Lens.Inspiration
The praying mantis is my absolute favorite to photograph! If I am ever lucky enough to find one in our backyard, I will stay out there all night if I have to just to get a shot. They are a bit creepy though - because they can swivel their heads 180 degrees, they will follow the lens if you move around.Editing
Yes, I typically always do some sort of post-processing on all images. The post-processing is my favorite part--you can bring your own artistry to an image. In this case, I lucked out that the background was solid so I was able to darken the background to make the mantis stand out more and then I was able to bring out the colors a bit more.In my camera bag
Since this was at home, I had everything I needed. But when I travel, I typically have a few batteries, maybe 3 memory cards, and depending on whether or not my husband is with me to help carry the bag, maybe 2-3 lenses. The bag can get really heavy with even one lens!Feedback
I practiced for a few years taking all of my macro shots handheld. Believe or not, I have never used a tripod (only for hummingbird shots). If you are trying to capture an insect, or even floral macro shots, you often want to get different angles and move with the insect. Try to make yourself as stable as possible so that you have very little handshake. The key is to squat and find a way to balance those elbows!
