Holcocephala Fusca (Robber Flies)

crotermund · Post by **crotermund** » Wed May 02, 2007 9:40 pm

I think I have the species correct, but I'm not positive. These are easily the smallest of the Robber Fly family that I have had the opportunity to photograph.

Single...

Double...

Predator & prey...I know this is probably a silly crop, but I decided to post it anyway.

Erland R.N. · Post by **Erland R.N.** » Thu May 03, 2007 3:38 pm

wow, that second photo is great.

Erland

crotermund · Post by **crotermund** » Thu May 03, 2007 6:22 pm

thanks Erland.

I can still remember holding my breath as I tried to get a shot off while they were in the same plane.

Ken Ramos · Post by **Ken Ramos** » Fri May 04, 2007 2:55 am

I really like these Craig

, the backgrounds are smooth and complementary and the colors...they blend in or transition one to the other, so well on the fly! Maybe because the fly is a tad soft and that is good for these images, in my opinion. Sometimes we can give too much definition to our images causing certain things about the subject to come to an abrupt halt, making the photograph look hard or flat. Composition is right on too, in all of them I think.

In the last one though, I would have used a diffuser or powered down the flash some. The leaf the fly is on looks slightly blown and I too have problems with that when I get too close to the subject with my 60mm macro, though I notice here you used a 150 mm. Maybe my 100mm would have been a better choice for some of my images that have turned out like that but then again sometimes you don't have the option of having the time to switch lenses, especially with insects. One moment they are there and the next....gone!

Beautiful images overall Craig. You did good!

beetleman · Post by **beetleman** » Fri May 04, 2007 11:10 am

Incredible photos Craig. I don`t even see shots like these, let alone get the photo also

crotermund · Post by **crotermund** » Sat May 05, 2007 4:25 pm

Thanks a lot for the feedback Doug & Ken. Thank you, Ken, for the analysis of the background & composition. I am very much an amateur regarding this stuff and I always find the extra analysis / feedback very helpful.

Danny · Post by **Danny** » Sat May 05, 2007 11:52 pm

Just brilliant. The 3 shots go so well together. Nice backgrounds and great lighting. That second shot really is something. Great comp and angle of view. love it

Danny.

Mike B in OKlahoma · Post by **Mike B in OKlahoma** » Sun May 06, 2007 12:38 am

Great job stalking, as noted the second shot is especially impressive. I agree with Ken that #3 is a bit hot.