Phlox
by Gordon

Comment by karmat:
CRITIQUE CLUB CRITIQUE
by karmat

This is a great shot for this challenge. Though the insect is the focal point, the green and red are so predominant in the shot that it really sets the stage or mood, I believe. As I mentioned during voting, I like the depth of field that you used. It really serves to make the insect "pop" if you will, and stand out clearly. The diagonal lines give the shot some "motion" and it is not stagnant or static. The eyes rest on the insect, but are still pulled "down" some by the contrasting lines. The lighting and focus work well. though the back part of the bug seems a bit soft, it is nothing major, I think, unless you sit and stare at the picture for some time as I have been doing. :-)

I think it may be slightly more balanced if the bug was lower and to the left more, but I'm not sure. As it is, it feels as if he could leap out of the frame at any moment, and that could be a good thing. For stability, though, lower and left.

A great shot; one you can be proud of I think. Best to you in future challenges.

karmat

Neck Plug: Interface Detail
by Gordon

Comment by zeolite:
Great picture! Great idea!

Neck Plug: Interface Detail
by Gordon

Comment by magnetic9999:
congrats, from an internet cafe at the city airport in london ;) - well deserved!

Neck Plug: Interface Detail
by Gordon

Comment by Gordon:
Well - it was an egg separator really but it seemed spoon-like enough to be apt. All credit for the set-up/ style to scab-lab who does this much better than I ever do.

Took a screen shot of a screen saver, boosted the contrast/ saturation in photoshop then set it on full display. Placed black card over the keyboard to simplify the background and put the spoon on there and almost closed the lid.

Shot in from the side, with 100mm macro on a tripod, mirror lock-up, shutter release cable and really closed down aperture (f29) to get lots of depth of field. Manually focused on the edge of the slot in the spoon for max detail on that edge.

Thanks for all the comments.

Neck Plug: Interface Detail
by Gordon

Comment by orussell:
Was trying to figure out what you used for your reflecting surface. Thought it might have been some sort of weird mutated bowling ball or something...lol Who would have guessed it was a slotted spoon...duh. Nice work. Congrats!!

Neck Plug: Interface Detail
by Gordon

Comment by e301:
Nice going Gordon - this was the one I thought might keep me off the top. Can't believe it didn't make it into the 7's. Congrats on the ribbon.

Neck Plug: Interface Detail
by Gordon

Comment by Jacko:
You da man G. Loved it ... gave it a 10. Congrats on the ribbon.

Neck Plug: Interface Detail
by Gordon

Comment by scab-lab:
Congrats G! Nice shot, love the technique here ... ;)

Neck Plug: Interface Detail
by Gordon

Comment by Sonifo:
Congrats Gordon. Nice shot.

Neck Plug: Interface Detail
by Gordon

Comment by Rock:
Nicely executed shot!