Inspiring Photo: Lil Guy...Big Shadow #8797057

Lil Guy...Big Shadow

Uploaded: August 07, 2009

Description

A tiny baby praying mantis on the hood of my husband's orange truck...I’ve never seen one so little, only about an inch long!

Exif: F Number: 10, Exposure Bias Value: -0.33, ExposureTime: 1/350 seconds, Flash: did not fire., ISO: 200, White balance: Manual white balance, FocalLength: 60.00 mm, Model: NIKON D200

Comments

Susan M. Reynolds August 07, 2009

I'd like to try and enter this maybe in the macro if you guys think it's okay. Or is there anything I need to do to it. I can't really tell the quality on this laptop monitor very well at all. It looks different after loaded on the BP site. #1165255

Susan M. Reynolds August 07, 2009

I meant 'original' and about the center shadow line, I meant that I tried to remove it so it wouldn't compete with the little mantis' shadow. #7827047

Rita K. Connell August 07, 2009

way cool shot Susan, I really like the original shot best. My eyes likes the line from the truck because that is the way of the shadows it help lead me right out of the picture. the dirt on the truck lend to, is that food or not. the only one that gives me trouble is the one at the bend of his leg in the shadows should be clone out. Awesome shot. The edited one is way cool also. #7827259

Teresa H. Hunt August 07, 2009

I actually like your edited shot. You can really see the little guy. Yes I think you should enter this in the contest. I think Marco would be a good category #7827779

Dale Hardin August 07, 2009

I love this Susan. Simple graphical images are a favorite of mine and this fits the bill. By all means enter it in the macro or even elements of design.

The shadow reminds me of Kanji characters. This image would look good with some kanji written on it poster style.

Definitely prefer the corrected image. #7827870

Anthony L. Mancuso August 07, 2009

love this image Susan and I agree with Dales thoughts...the only thing I would consider doing is increasing the contrast or maybe adding a opacity adjusted multiply blend to the bug to enhance the color of him, but I love the simplicity and contrast of the green on orange.. #7828104

Jeff E Jensen August 07, 2009

Fantastic capture Susan! Like the others, I love the simplicity of this. Well done. #7828292

Christie R. Bielss August 08, 2009

Wow Susan! I love the edited shot. Like the others have said, I love the simplicity of it. Most definitely enter it!! Great job! Love the title too!! #7829255

Peter W. Marks August 08, 2009

Good morning Susan. Having both versions is really interesting. I very much like both of them and to me they say different things. The modified version is pure graphic design as Dale suggests and as such is very static. It could be a dead bug placed on a piece of card in the studio. The original however, suggests a bug on a mission as he follows that diagonal line and this for me can conjure up movement, a living story that makes it a more dynamic image.
Isn't it good that we all see things differently! I visit art galleries and shows about twenty five times a year and if a piece of work doesn't 'speak' to me in any way, no matter how well it is executed, then I just pass along. I guess I need to be able to verbalise what I am seeing whereas for many folk, it is color or shape that grabs their interest. Viva la differance!
Pete #7829422

Debbra Bailey August 08, 2009

I LOVE this! That orange is amazing, and his shadow makes the comp so interesting! I defin. prefer the edited image without the line! Great shot! #7830889

Ellen H. Robertson August 10, 2009

Aren't these little guys amazing. And you did a great job of capturing him/her. The shadow is fantastic and I think either one is a winner. #7835950

Jodi M. Walsh August 11, 2009

what a fun shot! I love praying mantises (manti?) very cool. congrats on the EP! #7839984

Ellen H. Robertson August 13, 2009

Yep you got a winner... congrats #7845789

Susan M. Reynolds August 14, 2009

Oh I even got an EP finally! Thanks to all for your comments and hints!

I am back in but in very slow motion. The pain meds are wiping me out and I have not done any shooting since the third re-shoot of that Senior Portriait kid.
I feel loopy and out of it so if I don't make any sense when I'm commenting please forgive me!
Just concentrating on trying to get past this and feel well for a change.
I'm finally back in the mix of things but just very slowly.
Thank you Rita for the flower photo, it was beautiful and to the rest of you that sent prayers and good wishes for a speedy recovery.
You are all a very lovable and loyal group and I'm so happy to know you all and have you in my llife!
~S~
I'm getty mushy...must be the pain meds. #7846664

Susan M. Reynolds August 14, 2009

Dale,
I did try a highpass filter, but couldn't figure out how to work it. That was before the ER incident. Will try again when I am feeling better.
Thanks for your help
~S~ #7846674

Debbie E. Payne August 14, 2009

I am SO glad to see an EP under this very inventive picture. Way to go, Susan! #7847957

Dale Hardin August 14, 2009

Susan I hadn't recommended a high pass filter on this but here is how to do it.

you have to make a duplicate copy of your image on a new layer (control + J) and apply the "filter/other/high pass" filter to the copy. The image will turn grey and ugly. Increase the slider untill you can see the details you want and then use a blend mode to group it with the original image.

Overlay blend is mid strength, soft light is low strength, and hard light blend would be strongest. After the blend you can adjust the effect using the opacity slider. #7847979

Christie R. Bielss August 14, 2009

Congrats on the EP Susan!!! #7848222

Susan M. Reynolds August 15, 2009

Thanks all!
Sorry bout that Dale, I was loopy from the pain meds and it was late and I was thinking of the photo of Charlotte and writing on this one.
Do you think the HP filter would improve this photo if I were to try it?
#7851411

Dale Hardin August 16, 2009

I remember Charlotte. How did that work out?

As far as the HP on this shot, it would work OK with reservations. On the Mantas only because it would cause jagged lines on the shadows. Also if you do it you need to zoom in and be more precise on the cloning of the line you removed. Especially on the "fingers" of the his main "arms" and a few other areas.

But I don't think you really need to do it as it's a great shot as is. #7854025

Aimee C. Eisaman August 22, 2009

Congrats on your EP....awesome idea for background color and getting that shadow in! :~) #7877873

A P August 30, 2009

Love this Susan. Little bug big shadow. Love it, love it, love it! #7902321

Susan M. Reynolds August 31, 2009

Thank you Ann and Aimee and Dale for your creative input :) #7903685

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