What do you see first when you look at this image? Do you see the beautiful colors, textures, and shapes of the rock that makes up both the foreground and the background? Are you drawn to the lines and somber coloration of the Powdered Dancer damselfly (Argia moesta) and its shadow? Do you focus on the damselfly’s brightly shining gray eye?
I spotted this little damselfly this past week while exploring a creek in Fairfax County with fellow dragonfly enthusiast Walter Sanford. There is a simplicity to this image that I find really appealing. I especially like the limited color palette and the sense of harmony in the way that the colors work together.
What do you think?
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
In the small view I was struck with how clearly you’ve captured the detail of the damselfly. In large view I was amazed i) how perfect the wings are, ii) how big and shiny the eyes are and iii) that there’s more blue than I’d expected. Goodnight from me 🙂 Have a great day!
I think you were lucky to spot her. She blends in pretty well with the rock.
I was lucky enough to see the damselfly land on the rock. Otherwise, as you noted, I might well have not seen it. It is often the same with birds–when they are perched in trees with foliage, I frequently see them only when they move.
Forgive me if I am repeating the same quote to you over and over again. Yet over and over again, whilst viewing your beautiful enlarged photos either with Benjamin or alone, the words come unbidden to my mind. “In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.” – Aristotle. This is another fantastic photo that Benjamin will adore! Thank-you, Mr. Mike!
This is beautiful. This image unfolded for me top to bottom. Rock context, damselfly, shadow, more rocks. Then, as a whole it does appear abstract with some riveting detail on top of it. And any rate, gorgeous.
It is like it is hidden in plain sight.
Indeed. If I had not seen it land on the rocks, I am pretty sure I would not have noticed it there.
First I noticed the tail which lead me to the eyes. It seems quite well camouflaged otherwise.
Thanks for your response. I am always interested in how others see my photos. I know what I like and what I respond to, but am also acutely aware that others respond in different ways. As for the damselfly, I am pretty sure I would not have detected it if I had not seen it land on that rock.
First glance, I thought petroglyphs until I noticed the straight line of that tail! Wonderful.