This image of a Leaf Mantis required several different lighting techniques. The mantis was backlit, and I didn't want to totally wash out the silhouette effect of the backlighting. I therefore used a reflector instead of flash, so I could see the final result in the viewfinder and modify it accordingly. Fortunately, mantids are generally very patient subjects, and this one was no exception. A small flashlight was held above and to the left to add a bit of rimlight and separate the mantid from the rather bland and featureless background. It also served to accentuate the silhuette a bit.
The wind was still and the insect and leaf were part of the same plane, so I was able to use a very shallow
depth-of-field and preserve a non-distracting background.
Does it work?
Posts
I'm glad to see you back at the blog - and yes, the lighting works. I can see that all this warm weather has put crazy notions of spring into your head, or perhaps it's just optimism. Either way, the image has brought this bug to life.
ReplyDeleteI also think the lighting works, although I wouldn't mind seeing a bit more of the shadow. I like the separation from the background and the hint of rim lighting. I love the pose - it's as if he's interacting with you.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to see you back, too! Can we subscribe somewhere so that we know when you have a new post?
ReplyDeleteThe pinpoint hair light was very smart. Her head has just enough sheen, giving her a youthful glow!
An interesting question concerning the mantis images:
ReplyDelete"My question on these kinds of things is always "How on earth did you get all your settings AND small flashlight AND a reflector into place quickly enough to get the shot?"
Deborah Hosking
Answer:
Not as complicated as it sounds, actually.
Exposure settings (depth-of-field, shutter speed, ISO) are pretty much set in advance. The reflector is propped up on a stick or held by a Plamp and the flashlight is held in the hand that is not on the remote shutter cord, which also focuses. And the mantis is an inflatable model.
No, only kidding. Mantids are really great subjects--they are really still until they strike and very tolerant. They are often quite territorial and will stay in the same area all summer if the food supply is abundant. Edwin Way Teale writes about a mantis that hung out with him well into autumn and ate hamburger from a toothpick.
ml