Finally time to post some more shots, closeup of a bug shell (help with name?)

johnh2005 · Jul 3, 2011

Ok, so I have not been posting any shots recently because I have been trying to learn more and more. I KNOW these can be better. I just want some input. I did not shoot these in RAW. I was at work and during a break I tried to get a few decent shots.

1. I LOVE the Bokeh in this one but the focus is all off. How is the composition, exposure etc?

2. Same as number 1 but with better focus. What would you do different/better?

3. Different a little.

4. Different shell. I should crop to a better 1/3 rule.

Thank you for looking and any help you can provide.

johnh2005 · Jul 3, 2011

Not applicable any more.

Bitter Jeweler · Jul 3, 2011

Use the report button to report spam. Mods don't read every thread.

johnh2005 · Jul 3, 2011

Bitter Jeweler said:
Use the report button to report spam. Mods don't read every thread.

Ah I was looking for that button but did not know this forum had one until you mentioned and I hunted for it. I did go ahead and report it and I sent a PM to Big Mike right after I saw the post. Thanks Bitter. Now, since you are here, feedback please? And non of that "If you like it it is great" bullcrap =) :hug::

johnh2005 · Jul 3, 2011

Anyone know what kind of bug that is from?

Malone · Jul 3, 2011

Looks like a locust or cicada shell

johnh2005 · Jul 3, 2011

Ah yes, Cicada, that is it! Thank you so much!

johnh2005 · Jul 3, 2011

I really hate to beg for Feedback/ C&C but I have not posted in a while because I have been busy trying to get better. I would really appreciate some help here guys. Thank you! I tried my best to keep the shots to a minimum and number them and say what "I" thought about them. Anything from you any of you who know more than me would be greatly appreciated. I don't care how good/bad you think they are I just want some feedback to try to get better. Thanks!

EDIT: When I said I do not acre how good/bad you think they are I meant you can be as harsh as you think you need to be. I am a big boy. I won't hide in my corner crying too long no matter how hard you hit me with the C&C.

willis_927 · Jul 3, 2011

They all look underexposed and dull to me. The only one that the bug looks like its exposed properly in is the last one, but then there is harsh sunlight and shadows etc.

johnh2005 · Jul 3, 2011

willis_927 said:
They all look underexposed and dull to me. The only one that the bug looks like its exposed properly in is the last one, but then there is harsh sunlight and shadows etc.

I see what you mean. The greens do not look green enough. The viewfinder was telling me that the exposure was dead on. However, I was using "evaluative" metering for these. Do you think maybe they came out under exposed because I was under the leaves facing up into the BRIGHT noontime sky? When taking a shot like this what metering mode should I use? Switch to Spot metering, take the reading with the subject in the center of the viewfinder, make adjustments, then recompose and shoot?

The last one was of a different Cicada and I was looking down on it. It too was under the canopy of the tree and the lights and shadows on it were because of that.

When I take shots I try to leave it as "natural" as possible. I am guessing I should be more worried about the lighting and exposure and probably used a quick homemade diffuser for the last shot. I could have used a clipboard or even one of the sets of plans I had in the truck.

Thank you very much Willis for taking the time to comment. I appreciate it!