I was sitting out back reading the current issue of Outdoor Photographer today when I noticed a Cardinal making quite a bit of noise. He was trying to eat this Mantis and facing some stiff resistance. Once the Cardinal gave up I grabbed my gear and set up for a few shots. I got 10 images before the Mantis went back into attack mode, this time with me (or rather my camera). I couldn't lay down in the grass without him charging right for me. After a minute or so he flew off.
The moral of the story is, of course, don't forget about your own backyard when it comes to photography. Nothing special about this one I know, but it was fun to get out and play for a few minutes.
Tech stuff: hand-held, manual focus, SB-800 flash set up off camera and triggered in commander mode by the D70, Moose filter
This is great. I agree, some of the most photographable of macros are under your feet. But I do like travel, as my portfolio shows. It's so hard to get quick movers, like your angry friend here. Fine detail and colour on this mantis macro.
0 
