Olympus OM-10, handheld Olympus 50mm 1.4 +2 diopter Kodak Gold 400 f8, 1/250

Smile!

While working as an on-site caretaker in Mebane, NC, I stepped out of my door one bright morning and almost sent this preying mantis to bug heaven -- she was on my porch right in front of the door.

I picked her up and placed her nearby on a Beauty Berry bush, then went inside and got my camera. She was happy to provide an impromptu modeling session (that's what a seductive smile looks like on mantises, really). No, she's not available for hire -- I have an exclusive contract.