The Portrait...

[Prajwal J Ullal]

Something similar to Abhishek's post (http://www.indiawilds.com/forums/showthread.php?16105-Bark-Mantis-Portrait) I had an opportunity to go face to face with a really grown up Bark mantis which had taken refuge on the coconut tree. The mantid was well active and preferred running away from me and almost after 3-5 minutes of continuous chase it stayed steady for quite a long time. This allowed me to get some upfront portrait of the bark mantis.

EXIF:
Canon 550D
Canon 100mm macro
F/10
Shutterspeed 1/100
ISO 200
In built flash used
Handheld
Location: APMC market area, Hubli

Couldnt experiment with higher F stop as the mantis turned around showing its back end towards my cam. Its almost a full frame, had to crop slightly for proper framing

[Abhishek Jamalabad]

Nice. Another Humbertiella sp. I would try pulling back the contrast and colour temperature a bit.

[Mrudul Godbole]

Good details. The texture and colour, even on its eyes camouflages so well with the bark of the tree. Could you get any composition with the antennaes in full? Nicely captured. Thanks for sharing.

[Sabyasachi Patra]

The inbuilt flash from close distance overpowers the subject. Wish you had an off camera flash. The shadow at the middle of the frame distracts a bit. Thanks for sharing.
Cheers,
Sabyasachi