Insect Portraiture - Wandering Violin mantids

[Precarious]

Here's something new...

I finally bought myself a real camera - Canon Rebel T2i with EF100mm macro lens. My first DSLR. These are some shots I took today as I attempt to learn how to use this thing. I honestly don't know what I'm doing but I guess anyone can take amazing shots with this camera. Having amazing subject matter definitely helps.

These are two adult female Violins. I'm kind of digging the shallow depth of field, which is nothing but an annoyance when shooting video. The blurs give them a candid rather than clinical feel. They kind of look like portraits or glamor shots. :lol:

This camera is pretty sick. These are reduced from 72"x48"! Merry x-mas to me! :santa:

 

[PhilinYuma]

Very nice! And you're right about the glamor pix. #2, in particular, looks as though she's going to take a drag on her Black Russian and take a sip of the same! And the last one is already singing "Santa baby"

 

[angelofdeathzz]

Those are some sweet close ups, I really like the forth one.I can hold my Gongy up to my face and never see that amount of detail.

I'm going to have to talk to Santa about my camera situation. just not sure if I go to the mall if I'll fit on his lap!

 

[hibiscusmile]

Good for you!

 

[dgerndt]

Wow, you're photos always amaze me!! I can even see the texture on the eyes in picture #4. I didn't know mantids even had eyes like that! I thought they were just smooth.

 

[Precarious]

Wow, you're photos always amaze me!! I can even see the texture on the eyes in picture #4. I didn't know mantids even had eyes like that! I thought they were just smooth.

What's really funny is it looks like they have 2 little nostrils! Look at photo 4 and you'll see what I mean. I'm sure it's not really nostrils but I have no idea what they really are.

Here you can see them on an Idolo too...

 

[dgerndt]

What's really funny is it looks like they have 2 little nostrils! Look at photo 4 and you'll see what I mean. I'm sure it's not really nostrils but I have no idea what they really are.

Here you can see them on an Idolo too...

Lol! It does look like nostrils! I think it's just the top part of the mouth (it's almost like a plate) overlapping the lower part of the head. I see the same sort of thing with my adult mio when she eats. You just gotta look real close.

 

[lancaster1313]

I think it's just the top part of the mouth (it's almost like a plate) overlapping the lower part of the head.

I think that part is a labrum. I like watching it move when they eat.

 

[dgerndt]

I think that part is a labrum. I like watching it move when they eat.

Yay! I learned something today! I like watching my mantids eat, too.

 

[LauraMG]

Very nice Precarious! I'm a little tardy to the party, sorry They're wonderful pictures though, and you'll evolve as you use it more. Great start!!!