Murphy Hektner, APSA
July 2024 - Sphinx Moth
About the Image(s)
I found this very large moth, (it measured 3⬠across the wingspan) resting on an old gray weathered stump. It was in no mood to fly so gave me time to set the tripod and make the photo. Went on Google to learn about Sphinx moths and found it is a large family of over 1400 species in many parts of the world.
Here I used my tripod mounted Pentax camera with Pentax 35-105 zoom @ 50mm (1/15 sec, f/16, ISO 800) to capture this single image. The lighting was cloudy and dull so I added my Photo-flex soft-gold reflector. I also post processed in Elements 2020.
This round’s discussion is now closed!
6 comments posted
Murphy, what strikes me first is the impact of the diagonal as well as the grey at the bottom of the moth's wings highlighted by the grey color of the weathered stump. The only suggestion I have is to try a slightly dark vignette to make the moth pop even more. A great image! Posted: 07/08/2024 15:53:26
A lot of work for this image which is just great. Colors, sharpness, background right on. Were you able to get other shots from a different angle, perhaps capturing the eyes? Nice work. Posted: 07/10/2024 18:17:43
Alane and Neil: Thanks for your positive comments on Sphinx moth.
Neil; in regards to your suggestion of a head on shot showing the eyes, it was not possible. The large moth was down in a crevasse, this looking straight down image was the only possible picture I could do. Would like to find this moth again for some different compositions. Think it is a rare specie seldom seen in our locality at least. Posted: 07/12/2024 17:10:41
Neil; in regards to your suggestion of a head on shot showing the eyes, it was not possible. The large moth was down in a crevasse, this looking straight down image was the only possible picture I could do. Would like to find this moth again for some different compositions. Think it is a rare specie seldom seen in our locality at least. Posted: 07/12/2024 17:10:41
Hi Murphy,
Lovely image of a colorful Sphynx moth. All is sharp, including the moth and the background. The selection of a f/16 worked well.
My only suggestion would be to keep more room in front of the insect's head by expanding, if possible, the top left corner of your image.
Great capture - A keeper.
p.s.: the eyes are both visible on the side of the moth's head, behind the antennae. Posted: 07/21/2024 15:35:43
Lovely image of a colorful Sphynx moth. All is sharp, including the moth and the background. The selection of a f/16 worked well.
My only suggestion would be to keep more room in front of the insect's head by expanding, if possible, the top left corner of your image.
Great capture - A keeper.
p.s.: the eyes are both visible on the side of the moth's head, behind the antennae. Posted: 07/21/2024 15:35:43
Hi Murphy, I am in agreement with all the very positive comments you have received on the Sphynx moth image. The background is problematic for me. Do I like it or not? Too much texture takes away from the subject. The color is right, you haven't taken the subject out of its environment.
Indecision on my part. The moth itself is pure perfection! Posted: 07/24/2024 14:37:08
Indecision on my part. The moth itself is pure perfection! Posted: 07/24/2024 14:37:08
Great capture here. The subject and background are both appropriately sharp yet the moth is still cleanly displayed. Here one might suggest that the background is a bit distracting, but to my eye this is part of the story. I like how the background is distracting yet complementary to the subject, giving a glimpse as to how the moth blends into its environment. I agree that the composition is a bit confining and might benefit some by adding a bit more to the right and top regions. Posted: 07/31/2024 21:28:04