I was so fortunate to have the opportunity to capture this wonderful creature on film or should I say digital card. I had recently purchased a macro lens and this was the first time I put it to use. I was so excited!!! I had no idea how to use this lens. I was comfortable using my zoom lens where I could stand afar and zoom in on my subject to get a closer look. Well... with this lens, I had to physically move myself closer to my target to get it to appear closer. I am not a big fan of getting close up to insects but I just had to get a shot of this one. It captivated me!
As I was hesitantly getting as close to it as possible, to my surprise it moved around a little almost as if changing poses for me all the while watching me as I was watching it. I was fascinated!!! It seemed fascinated by me! The macro lens allowed me to see it up close and personal. It had two black dots in the middle of it's beautiful round green eyes and how intelligent it looked. It's legs resembled stilts and the colors were soothing earth tones. It seemed to be curious about me too. I clicked away with the camera all the while thinking WOW. I could do this all day!!
It however had other plans... I apparently must have bored the creature. It decided to take flight and fly at me... much to my surprise, because stupid me had no idea that Praying Mantis can fly!!! Dah!! If someone was filming me, I think they would have gotten the better pictures. I screamed, shook my head, ran around the room, and panicked like a little child.... give me a heart attack already. When I came to my senses, all I could do was bust out laughing... Wow, it can fly!! (I learned something new).
When I finally composed myself, I noticed that it landed near a window. For a few moments we just sat there staring at each other once again. I catching my breath and it seemingly amused by what just happened. How I wanted to just keep it in my house for further picture poses but it was telling me it was time to go. I reached up and opened the window and it actually turned and looked at me for a few seconds, as if it was saying I enjoyed our time together and thanks for the entertainment, but now it's time to go, then it turned and flew away. Like I said before, it reminds me of an alien and maybe we were speaking with our minds!!!
Most of the pictures turned out slightly blurry because I didn't realize when using a macro lens, the subject being captured is so magnified that a steady hand is needed. Any movement throws the subject out of focus thus making it blurry.... second lesson learned for that day (use a tripod). I am still in awe of that day and cherish the still moments I have in picture.
