Michael you have proven the flexibility of using one of those big heavy lens that we all love to tote around. The bokeh with the Dog Fennel is wonderful. I also really like the leading lines of the flower heads up to the wasps. The narrow depth of field really causes the subject stand out. Great work Michael.
  Posted: 12/11/2019 09:11:58

First thank you for showing a subject that I didn't even know existed. I feel the capture of the insects is sharp and clear and you rendered the background in a pleasing manner that really helps to bring out the subject.

For me the large white flowers work against the subject. Since the eye is drawn to the light and bright my eye goes immediately to the flowers and not the wasps. I have included a rather heavily cropped sample that I feel brings the wasps into a more powerful position in the image. The two wasps are position so that the one on the left is on a fixation point and the one of the right is on an upper fixation point. This creates a diagonal line type of composition that is more powerful. You might even consider bringing down the highlights just a bit to reduce the impact of bright white flowers.   Posted: 12/13/2019 16:27:03

Stunning detail on the wasps here Michael. Crisp and well focused with very nice subtle bokah of the greenery behind. Colors are well blended and the motion of the wings enhance the image and motion of the wasp, nicely captured. I do like the compsition of this image as well with the two wasps in close proximity.

I do like the revision Larry provided as it does bring both insects into closer view and there is less distraction of the flowers below.   Posted: 12/15/2019 09:15:02

I agree with the comments from Larry and Todd. In my composition I forgot an important thing - focus on the subject and remove as many distractions as possible. Rattlesnake Master is one of my favorite wildflowers, but the wasp is the subject. Therefore sacrifice some of the wildflowers and bring down the highlights.   Posted: 12/15/2019 17:00:16

Michael,

Sorry for my late response on this. I have been traveling for work. Nicely done shot! I know how difficult it is in macro to balance your subject being in sharp focus and also having bokah in the background. I do agree with the others on Larry's cropped version.   Posted: 12/18/2019 11:42:58

Thanks to all for the comments. Merry Christmas!   Posted: 12/24/2019 09:36:01

I like you mission to keep in mind the insects. They can be difficult critters to capture in a frame, but worth the effort. I'm amazed you did as well as you did in getting the moving-wing detail. At a shutter speed of 1/400, the moving parts look good. Like others in the group, I agree with Larry's rendition of greater cropping and bringing out a diagonal line-of-sight created by the cropping. Wishing you good shooting in a happy and healthy New Year.   Posted: 12/27/2019 14:28:53