Rik,
The reason why I copied that butterfly in the background was that I was trying different constellations by repositioning the 3 butterflies. The friend I am doing this project with was here and said:'why don't you copy that wing?' I tried it and the image became more balanced. I would prefer another solution but this was best for the moment.
I think when you are too concentrated on the details and on the technique you lose the overview. Than is it is good to have some feedback. But I have to make the copied wing less similar, perhaps make it a bit blurry, or darker.
The cutting out is done with 'select colour range' Than I make an opacity layer. I can retouch this with a brush. It is best to photograph the insects with a background that is close to what you want in the final image.
When I see your image I would prefer that grey backgroudn a bit lighter and a bit blueish, this would make a nice contrast with the brown. But Paul prefered less blue I think.
I'll post a part of the image at 100%. Your results are a bit sharper than mine, Rik! I still have to do retouching on this image. The most difficult are the hazy hairs, there are still some light lines around the hairs.
http://www.photomacrography.net/forum/u ... ontage.jpg
Wim