Hi Neal: This Box Elder bug is perfectly done in all aspects; just super sharp, good composition, exposure spot on. You mention wishing it was a bit more colorful and this would be easy to do with more post processing if you wanted to experiment. Just lower the Kelvin color temperature just a tad and then add a small amount of saturation and perhaps a slight bit of contrast. You will have a very different picture with these adjustment. Actually I really like it the way you have presented it to us.   Posted: 05/11/2023 10:15:23

What a fun image. As noted above, great composition, sharpness and exposure. As for the color, one does not need to settle for what is right out of the camera. Try adding just a bit more to enhance you presentation. One might bump up the golds a bit with the leaf as well as increasing the contrast to show more texture. Also adding a touch of blue to the body of the bug might add a bit more depth here (both with minor tweaks with the curves adjustment layer). Might I also suggest darkening the upper side of the critter to obtain a little more separation between the top and side of this critter and darkening the eye to make is more distinguishable from the body. These are all potential creative suggestions which might address your desire to see more color in this image.   Posted: 05/11/2023 14:32:13

Cute little subject but glad he likes the outdoors!! You have a nice rule of thirds composition with the bug. I might suggest a slightly lower exposure for the leaf which would darken the bug and perhaps add some contrast. You can always enhance the subject with burn and dodge adjustments.   Posted: 05/11/2023 20:03:19

Hi Neal,
This is another fine presentation of a bug. Tack sharp. Nice texture and shadows on the leaf. I might prefer the bug to be a bit darker, as Barbara has suggested. Either way, it's a nice shot.   Posted: 05/12/2023 09:23:45

In several of your recent bug images you have used a leaf as a background. I think that is an excellent choice. The leaf as well as the subject is in fine focus. I particularly like the leaf lines and veins. Great background for the finely focused and well placed bug specimen.   Posted: 05/12/2023 21:17:51