Shots for Constructive Criticism

davidstorm · 2014-05-26T21:12:19+0100

OK, after several posts in the 'What has Happened? ' thread, I am opening myself up for the full blast of constructive criticism with some images I have shot today. I have no idea what I want criticism upon, unlike dougf8 I find it hard to ask for critique on individual aspects of my images. I work very hard on my macro photography and try to use as little equipment as possible. I don't use any camera supports, but I will use flash once in a while, although I prefer natural light. I go for a compositional approach, rather than 'extreme close-up' as this to my eye looks more attractive. I take care with backgrounds and try to ensure the subject stands out. So there you are, I've given you some pointers, now what do you think? The natural light images in this set are with the K-3 (bar one) and the flash ones are with the K-5IIs. Flash used was a manual Neewer TT560 Speedlite, set on half power and fired through a home-made diffuser. Flash was held in one hand to direct it where I wanted, camera was held in the other hand. All shots are with the Pentax DFA 100mm F2.8 WR Macro lens, some also with a Teleconverter with the glass removed, to act as a short extension tube whilst maintaining aperture control and IQ. Blue Eyes Looking Straight At You Early Lunch (Zebra Spider with Prey) Early Lunch 2 Eye Clinging On Damsel in Distress (this one has lost half its abdomen) Female Common Blue Upside-down Bumble Bee (no idea what this Bee was doing) Launch Pad Yellow and Green (this one's a bit over-exposed) Thanks in advance for your comments. Regards David

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dcweather dcweather

1204 posts
16 years
Laindon,Essex

Posted 17/06/2014 - 00:21 Link

My favourites are the Zebra Spider. I'm a fan of the shallow DOF in some cases. It adds perspective and is more dramatic. I love the way they look likethey're wearing sunglasses.
I would add that some of the apparently stunning shots one sees are produced from stacking of dead or chilled creatures. Personally, as an amateur naturalist I am against this technique on principle, much as I am of extolling the virtues of a picture of a bird or animal in captivity. (I'm not so much against them being in captivity, it is just too easy to get a decent image).
Dave