I am an American baby boomer with varied interests and I consider myself to be a new-comer to photography, especially digital photography. Since getting my Nikon 7900 in '04, I have become rather interested in capturing wildflower and small critter close-up images: thus most of my postings are of those subjects, but occasionally I do find other things that either interest me or I just feel compelled to share, lol. I use a point and shoot Nikon 7900 coolpix digital camera and I am usually within a few inches of my subjects. I seldom use a tripod. My camera has very few manual adjustments so most of the time I have it set to "macro" mode. With this setting, I get a 7.8mm lens with an f stop of 4.8 and aperture speed of around 1/50-1/100 of a sec. I do my digital editing using Paint Shop Pro XI as the primary program with some usage of a few specialized features in Photoshop 7. I appreciate all comments but I ESPECIALLY like those that give honest critiques. Update: I bought a Nikon D40X with 2 Nikon AF-S VR lens (18-55mm and 55-200mm) at the end of 2008 but did not have free time to play with it until May 2009. It is a steep learning curve to go from point and shoot to DSLR, especially if one knows nothing about photography beyond - turn it on - then point and shoot, lol.
Update #2 - Aug 2013: I bought a Panasonic Lumix DMC - Lx7 because the Coolpix 7900 is on it's last legs. BIO I am a 60ish single man with a diverse background of employment. Among other things, at one time or another, I have been an engineering draftsman, a union carpenter, a member of the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stagehands union, a stained glass pattern maker, a ranch hand, a lifeguard, and a member of the USAF for almost 8 years. I have been retired for over 20 years because of a back injury and now spend my time enjoying my 25 acres of Northeast Texas Woodland. I have been building a house for the past 10 years and may even finish it eventually, lol. Thanks to all who have taken the time to comment on my postings and I hope everyone (who has clicked on one of them) enjoyed the image. Lee
Comments (17)
Richardphotos
I have seldom seen this breed. outstanding macro Lee
zmarek
WOW. Nice insect :-). Super.
durleybeachbum
He got quite a Scottish outfit, looks like a very smart golfer! A super photo, Lee.
PSDuck
A beautiful creature. I am so pleased that as humans, we can observe and apperciate them rather than fear them. Or be hunted by them. Great pic.
GBCalls
A new type for me. Excellent display
DAVER2112
Nice shot! I'm not sure I could hold one their so creepy!
lizzibell
Nice capture...
ysvry
great foto, hes also staring at you with its pinhole eyes.
MrsRatbag
I don't think I'd be able to hold still if it were on me, kudos to you for your non-squeamishness around insects. Great shot, excellent detail!
JeffG7BRJ
I agree with Andrea he looks like he's dressed in Scotch Tweed, I see that this one has also turned it's left eye all the way round to look at you Lee. I still can't get over that, I wonder how their tiny brain compensates. Never seen one this colour before either. You not only have a fantastic array of differing little critters but an equal array of differing species. I think word has got out to the insect kingdom, that it's prety safe on your land. Superb capture and presentation. Bravo!!!!!
Akane
I just love mantis! They always seem friendly (are they?...): just show them your hand and they start exploring :-) Never seen one like this before. Great shot!
flora-crassella
what a interesting insekt! Wonderful photo!
bpclarke
Fantastic capture! Excellent details. Bunny
blondeblurr
Another one of your amazing insects collection, looks pretty harmless from here... I concur with just about everyone else, never seen a specimen in this colour. well done. BB
skyla824
impressive macro....
praep
Wonderful creature. I wish, we had some. But in Germany there a mantis only on the "Kaiserstuhl" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaiserstuhl) in the South of Germany. Great shot, my friend.
NightGallery
Man the sharpness of this one is awesome! I would love to find a Mantid. Great shot man!