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Pink and Velvet


Pink and Velvet
Photo Information
Copyright: Nigel Deacon (Merlin) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 381 W: 223 N: 306] (958)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2006-06-18
Categories: Insects
Camera: Nikon Coolpix 4500
Exposure: f/6.3, 1/125 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2007-05-02 14:30
Viewed: 694
Points: 20
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
The Elephant Hawkmoth Deilephila elpenor. One of the most attractive of the European hawkmoths, this species is widely distributed and fairly common in places.

The adult moth is rarely seen, and people are more familiar with the distinctive caterpillars which are often found on garden Fuchsia plants. The caterpillars' distinct eyespots and their habit of swaying the head from side to side is a clear mimicry of a snake, and even adults (who should know better) are often intimidated by this harmless insect.

An old favourite of mine - I bred them as a boy, and have now bred them in captivity once again - very rewarding. This was one of last year's batch, photographed as it was released into the wild.

I chose a simple, centred composition after experimentation - I thought it looked more natural - and the flowering heads of dock (Rumex obtusifolius) framed the moth and complemented its colours nicely.

Sorry, friends - I haven't been around in a while, and I will be away a great deal in the summer - but I thought I would post a few more from my collection before I am "back in the field."
Argus, wishnugaruda, phlr, peter_stoeckl has marked this note useful
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ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To Argus: Garden ElephantsMerlin 1 05-02 15:25
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • NinaM Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 651 W: 0 N: 1620] (5290)
  • [2007-05-02 15:03]

Hi Nigel, you're a master in macro. This picture is so crisp and sharp, the colours so vibrant. Even though you centered the moth, it is perfect as the shape of this beautiful being is well framed and contrasting. One subtlety, the little flowers are also pink. All pink and green! Thanks for the nice colours and the beautiful "beast".
Francine

  • Great 
  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2750 W: 147 N: 7933] (24699)
  • [2007-05-02 15:15]
  • [+]

Hello Nigel,
Lovely capture of a fresh Elephant Hawk-moth, with excellent colour and the straight dorsal view justifies a central composition, the BG forming a pleasing green design.
In Sweden the main lhp is Willow Herb, amongst others. I have found caterpillars of both brown and green varieties in the final instar stage.
TFS,
Regards, Ivan

  • Great 
  • batu Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1028 W: 285 N: 3429] (11372)
  • [2007-05-02 15:40]

Hello Nigel,
the hawkmoth is shown here just in exactly its natural colours and with high sharpness. Due to the right point of view, details of all parts of the insect are presented very clear.
Best wishes, Peter

HI Nigel,
this moth is fantastic, so gigantic and with wonderful colours. You catched it in a very good pose, we can see every detail in your sharp shot. Thank you so much for sharing this beauty with us, bye
Sabine - wishnugaruda

Nigel

Nice colours and textures captured here. The contrasting colours work well to your advantage.

Jai

  •      
  • cosmln Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 201 W: 12 N: 482] (1888)
  • [2007-05-02 18:04]

Hi Nigel,

perfect photo for this moth. and even if the subject is centered the composition is just perfect. that Rumex fill the space very well.

also thanks for your visit.
TFS,
cosmln

p.s. i'm sorry i have turned OFF my point so no point from me

Gran enfoque y colorido muy natural de esa especie que yo nunca he visto. Veo que esa nikon va al 100% jeje.
Saludos desde Espaņa Nigel:

J. Ignasi Tejedor

  • Great 
  • manyee Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3100 W: 234 N: 5929] (20006)
  • [2007-05-03 0:00]

My wish come true!
I was hoping to see a post from you, Nigel,... and here it is!
A fantastic shot. Everything on it is perfect:
Focus, exposure, light, POV, DOF, are all excellent.
The colors on this insect are exquisite.
A gorgeous shot of this beautiful moth.
Good to see you back, and TFS. : )

  • Great 
  • PaulH Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1064 W: 26 N: 3195] (11455)
  • [2007-05-03 8:10]

Hi Nigel,

almost the punk of the Moth world with pink hair like that! A very interesting shot indeed, the central composition works well here and the details are fantastic.

Paul

  • Great 
  • ridvan Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 563 W: 0 N: 1148] (5188)
  • [2007-05-03 10:16]

selam Nigel, very nice capture of this lovely interesting moth, good pov and sharpness with nice BG especially the colours of it is well captured,TFS
All the best
ridvan

Hi Nigel,
the exquisite pink, purple and green colours of the elephant hawkmoth, and its softly furry appearance have been very well reported here - a lovely fresh, well bred specimen. And it seems quite well camouflaged in its ambient green.
So this is the one that you have announced quite a while before! Having been on TN not that regularly for quite a while as I used to be, I am lucky to have noticed that pretty image with some delay right now. I like the simple, well recording composition that puts that little jewel right into the centre.
With thanks, and best regards,
Peter

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