Robber Fly on a Lilac Leaf

[William]

Click here for the higher resolution version!

Shooting data: D300, Sigma 150 macro+1.4 tc, 1/10, f/14, iso 200, tripod, reflector, >98% of original frame

Hi

Usually the Robber flies I encounter in my garden are rather dull looking, but this one had a bit more color, although I also increased saturation a bit to emphasize its beauty.
It wasn't possible to shoot this specimen where I found it using natural light as it rested a couple of meters up in the lilac. It simply was too windy and too messy with all the leaves. Funny thing was that although this was shot in the middle of the day, this Robber Fly was still cooperative enough(probably because of the wind) to let me cut the perch and transfer it to a second tripod a few meters away, close to the ground where it was more sheltered...

...So thanks to the Robber Fly for being so cooperative and many thanks to you all for looking I hope you all are having a great time and that you are able to spend the holidays with the ones you love, your family and friends!

[liewwk]

good use of reflector ... light as usual at top range

[morfa]

I really like the beautiful color spectrum in the eye and the slightly backlit legs and bristles! Great shot William!

[TheBat]

Oh WOW !!!
Beautiful picture.
liewwk mentions the lighting and I must agree, it is very well lit and looks very natural.
Would you care to explain your lighting for this shot?
Bruce

[William]

Thank you very much liewwk, John and Bruce for your great comments. Its very much appreciated

Bruce - This is all natural light. It was a while since I shot this, but I believe I both placed the Robber Fly in shade an that it was overcast conditions. While the sun was almost directly above the Robberfly I still had a small amount of backlight . Then I used a weaving (A mixture of gold and silver) reflector from the right and bellow to fill in the shadows. This also gives some golden tones to some of the hairs on the Robber Fly.
Glad you liked the light

[mackay123]

wow william!, i think you have been hiding this one from us
love the detail and bg, the overall colours are perfect in my opinion, the orange on the legs contrasts nicely with the greens and really adds a lot!
the comp works well and the lighting is ideal!
all in all it's a winner!
happy holidays my friend!!

[Tazintosh]

This forum definitively need a vote system by "stars". I'm really sad being unable to click somewhere to put this image on the top.
Well, probably this picture do not need any vote to be just "amazing".
Impressive work William, have a nice Chirstmas (and everybody on this forum too).

[kliton77]

everythink in this photo is great ...cong

[William]

Steve, Tazintosh and kliton, thank you very, very, much.

Cheers and have fun!

[Blueripper]

Amazing shot William, the colours as you say add so much to the image, the eye looks fantastic! The light is spot on as is the composition, another beauty Mr Hedberg

Have a great Holiday and I look forward to another years worth of fantastic images and tips.

All the best,

Paul.

[William]

Thank you very much, Paul You are far to kind!

[O.K.]

Hi William!

Really amazing image!
It works superbly in all respects, composition, contrast, colors, bg, dof, details etc.

Great work my friend!

Orhan

[pointr]

Another high quality post William, congratulations and thanks for your explananations of technique. regards Trevor

[William]

Thank you very much Orhan and Trevor
Cheers!

[CPR]

Hi William,

A very clean shot.
The light is very sweet
Is it really hook on the leaf or did you turn the photo for a better composition ?