Caterpillar on a Flower

[ShawnB]

I took this a couple of months ago and would love some constructive criticism. I did a little bit of post processing, cropped and sharpened the image. EXIF data follows. I don't have a macro lens, only the 18-55mm that came with the camera. I used auto mode for this shot as I'm still learning and I don't know enough about macro to do my own settings.



Camera Nikon D40
Lens 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6
Aperture f/5.6
Focal Length 55 mm
ISO Speed 200


ShawnB

[Cola]

It is a pretty cool shot but I am not sure if I would consider it macro. A few things I notice is it looks a bit underexposed and its doesn't have much of a pop. I think with a bit more contrast and brightness, maybe a smidgen of increased vibrance and it could give the image more of a pop. Like I said it is a pretty cool shot though, that caterpillar is neat looking.

[ShawnB]

I wasn't sure if it qualified as a macro shot either, if I need to move it to another forum I can.

I used Picassa to edit the picture. I took your advice and added a touch of contrast and brightness and it did help it pop more.

Thanks for the advice.

[irispatch]

I agree a little PP to give it some pop, perhaps some cropping to bring the focus on the caterpillar more. A very nice sharp image. And much closer to macro than a lot of the photos recently posted to this forum.



Pick up a set of Kenko extention tubes for your camera ( the ones that will keep your electronic focus). They will reduce the minumum focusing distance for your lens allowing you to move much closer to your subject and fill the frame with the subject. That is a cheap and quick way to try out Macro before you decide to drop a bundle on a true macro lens.

[ShawnB]

Here is the link to the second attempt at PP.

DSC_1114B | Flickr - Photo Sharing!

You can also see the original as well as my first attempt at PP (the same picture in the OP). I liked the contrast in colors from the flower to the caterpillar which is why I didn't crop it more. Would removing the flower add more to the picture instead of taking away from it like I thought?

[Cola]

I definitely like the retouch much better. Nice job.