Pick up sticks

“This photo was also taken in the Kruger, at Pretoriuskop. The praying mantis clung to the bottom edge of our chalet’s window – it was interesting to watching him as he sat under the porch light waiting for insects.”

Without realising it immediately, this pic catches your attention for two reasons: first, the insect is hanging upside down, and that’s not how we normally look at the world. And secondly, its one leg is up in the air, and that gives the photo life because it appears the praying mantis is about to make a move.

It contrasts against the dark background, but that brings its own problems. The cellphone’s lighting is not completely spot on, and the insect appears ‘whiter’ than it actually is. This is because the photo is slightly overexposed and detail in the lighter parts is then lost.

But that doesn’t detract too much from the image and you can’t help taking a good, close-up look of the fellow.