Ancient wings II

Erland R.N. · Post by **Erland R.N.** » Sat Dec 15, 2007 10:19 pm

This is my second post with a photo of a mayfly. I've discovered that my first post was showing a female, and this one, taken twelve minutes later, shows a male.
It's an Ephemera vulgata, photographed in Sweden, early June 2007.

Canon 5D, Sigma 150/2.8 @f/10, 1/125 s, iso 400, uncropped

Here is a 50% crop of the same picture:

I hope I got species and male/female distinctions right here

Here's the female shown some months ago:
http://www.photomacrography.net/forum/v ... php?t=3449

MacroLuv · Post by **MacroLuv** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 3:45 am

Very nice one Erland.

It would be better without the grass on the right side but you can't manage all things.

Ken Ramos · Post by **Ken Ramos** » Sun Dec 16, 2007 4:27 am

Don’t know a lot about Mayflies, other than tying imitations of them on hooks but they are, as I have said before, one of my favorite insects. Really a nice shot here Erland, great color and details.

The grass at the right of the first image I think is good to have in a way. Otherwise there would be a lot of empty space over there.

Erland R.N. · Post by **Erland R.N.** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 1:40 am

Thank you for comments.

I've had the thought similar to Ken about the grass in the right side of the picture, filling out the empty space, but I think I would have likked it just slightly more out of focus.

Erland

JoanYoung · Post by **JoanYoung** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 3:23 am

These are excellent Erland. I have not see one before.

puzzledpaul · Post by **puzzledpaul** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 4:06 am

Splendid shot, Erland

<< but I think I would have likked it just slightly more out of focus >>
Have you considered doing this in Photoshop - esp. as there's so little of the main subject interacting with the bg?

pp

Erland R.N. · Post by **Erland R.N.** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 4:17 am

Yes, it could be easily done in this photo, but to be honest I dislike the idea of editing my pictures in that way. I kind of stick to contrast/
sharpness/colour editing and dust spot cloning.

Erland

puzzledpaul · Post by **puzzledpaul** » Mon Dec 17, 2007 12:40 pm

<< but to be honest I dislike the idea of editing my pictures in that way >>

I'd probably (generally) adopt a similar standpoint - especially when (like anyone else) am trying to fill the frame with only what I want to be there etc.

However, we all know that it's difficult to control a RW environment - so in this case, I think I'd see it as the electronic equivalent of being able to 'adjust / bend back' the blade of grass a little - without any fear of disturbing the subject - before taking the pic.

Whilst I'd certainly mention such an act for a pic posted here, the mileage may well vary for other circumstances/situations

pp

cactuspic · Post by **cactuspic** » Wed Dec 19, 2007 10:41 am

lovely shots, Erland.

Irwin

beetleman · Post by **beetleman** » Thu Dec 20, 2007 3:45 pm

Excellent photos Erland. The crop is beautiful. Very sharp and great detail. With the dark, sharp insect catching your eye first, the grass is not too distracting at all IMO.