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Robber Fly


Robber Fly
Photo Information
Copyright: Murali Santhanam (smurali) Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 205 W: 14 N: 542] (3142)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-05-19
Categories: Insects
Camera: Pentax *ist DL, Sigma 180 mm F3.5 EX HSM
Exposure: f/5.6, 1/180 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2007-05-20 10:12
Viewed: 298
Points: 18
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Friends,

The last week was a busy week and I could not post anything after the Cicada. On Saturday, myself, Satish and some of our friends visited Kalkere forest in Bangaore after a long time. The forest greeted us with lots of green. The insect life in the forest however was still sleepy. We could not get much of pictures except that of a camouflaged grasshopper and an ant-lion. While walking back, I noticed this Robber Fly sitting on the edge of a small twig. The Robber Fly was hardly noticeable and it was my luck that I got some picture. I took a couple of shots hand-held and this was one of the two pictures I took. Immediately after my second shot the Robber Fly flew away and I could not trace it.

The forest had thick foliage in this place and there was some light from the overcast sky that provided this excellent lighting. My Pentax seem to have done a good job of metering this scene despite the fact that the background is dark.

One can see the moustache that is characteristic of Robber flies. The short proboscis that is used by the Robber Fly to inject toxic saliva into the victims is also visible. The long abdomen is not in focus thanks to the angle of the insect coupled with 5.6 aperture on a 180mm lens. Without this aperture I could not have captured a decent hand-held shot.One of the short antennae is also visible. The back light has illuminated 4 of the six legs. The Robber Fly lifted its hind legs to clean its stomach while I was taking the picture. The picture also shows the fur on the Robber Fly body.

Hope you like this picture.

Regards,
Murali Santhanam
LordPotty, anilnediyara, satish_h has marked this note useful
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Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To goutham_ramesh: Why F5.6smurali 1 05-20 20:51
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Critiques [Translate]

A great capture here Murali.
Beautifully clear details,with great light and colour.
Great note too.
You've done an excellent job.
Well done.
Steve

  • Great 
  • Mana Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1675 W: 24 N: 4870] (15888)
  • [2007-05-20 10:38]

Hi Murali,
Wonderful macro shot of the robberfly. Fantastic light management and control. Excellent POV and a smooth BG. Very neat and sharp. Very nicely composed. Kudos.
TFS.
Sumon

Nice backlite macro, spot on exposure and fill in of shadow. TFS, Regards
Anil

A rather unusual point of view, Murali, but very interesting.
The play of light in this shot lends a dramatic character to the picture.
TFS.

I love the colours, sharpness and verticality of this shot!!
really god job 4 only 3or 4 seconds!

great!

Dear Murali, I like the delicate ligting in this picture.. and a good composition and point of view.. thanks.
with best regards.vab.

  • Great 
  • pirate Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 450 W: 100 N: 572] (2879)
  • [2007-05-20 11:52]

Hi background is great! Compo too.
Tom

Hi Murali,
Looks like a Olympic gymnast to me, what a good picture. The lighting is perfect and the colors too. BTW why F5.6?
TFS
Goutham

Hi Murali,
Very nice one. I think PS is not proper, loooks bit dark. There should have been little more sharpness. Otherwise, the compo and POV is good.

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