Beauty can often be found in small things in ordinary situations. On Thursday I captured this image of a beautiful Pearl Crescent butterfly (Phyciodes tharos) feeding on a dandelion while I was exploring in Prince William County with fellow dragonfly enthusiast Walter Sanford. Although we were focused on searching for dragonflies, most of you know that I am an opportunistic photographer and will take a photo of almost anything that catches my eye.
I am not completely certain about the identification of this butterfly—I have trouble distinguishing between a Silvery Checkerspot butterfly (Chlosyne nycteis) and a Pearl Crescent butterfly. In fact, I am not really sure if this is a dandelion or one of a number of small flowers that are similar in appearance.
The funny thing is, though, that I am totally unconcerned about the accuracy of my identification in this case. This image is more about art than it is about science. It is about light and color and patterns and details. I encourage you to click on the image and immerse yourself in the enlarged image. You will be amazed to see the speckles in the butterfly’s eyes and the flecks of pollen on its extended proboscis.
Beauty can often be found in small things in ordinary situations.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Incredibly detailed Mike, I can even see yellow pollen on its tongue! Amazing photo.
Thanks, Liz. I am really happy that you noted that little detail. I think that WordPress compresses photos a bit and I never know for sure that all of the details that I see in the original will be viewable by readers. I was actually a little shocked that It first noticed that bit of pollen on the proboscis, the long tube-like “tongue.” When I am shooting that close, I know that only a sliver of the image will be in sharp focus–you many notice, for example that one of the antennae is almost completely out of focus. Fortunately I was pretty much spot-on with my focusing this time. 🙂
Yes I did notice the antennae as described but everything is ultra sharp that needs to be! I was also fascinated by the level of detail in the flower itself – almost like I’d never seen one before hehe! In a way I haven’t, not that detailed anyway. The yellow is so pure and bright, and the pollen like gold dust. Incredible.
Wow, Liz. You examine the image really closely. I think part of the reason why things looks so sharp and detailed is that I got really low for the shot–I was at almost eye level with the butterfly. If I had shot from a standing position, the perspective would have been totally different and most of the details would have been lost. The “secret” in a shot like this is to be shooting on a plane that is parallel to the subject. When the butterfly closed its wings, it essentially flattened itself and most of the important details were on the same plane. With the dandelion, it was the low shooting angle that achieved the same effect–we are used to seeing one from above and the side view looks unusual and emphasizes the verticality of the way the dandelion grows. Of course, the butterfly was moving, so I had only split seconds to process all of what I just said, make some decisions, and take the shots. 🙂
Such good points Mike, and you pulled it all together so perfectly for this wonderful shot ~which is going to be one of my favourites!
Oh my goodness, spectacular photography!. Nature’s beauty is astonishing in iits attention to the smallest detail. Great photo Mike!
Amazing shot, Mike, and what detail. Another beautiful butterfly.
Sometimes, it’s the subject that makes a beautiful photo, Mike. Sometimes, like today, it’s the composition and what draws us into the photo. Very nicely done!
Awesome shot Mike !
Beautiful image, Mike. I love its wing patterns.
Thanks, Eliza. I am not used to seeing them with closed wings and I too am intrigued by the way the patterns look.
It’s a great composition, with crisp details and a dreamy background. And I agree, Mike, the identification of the players isn’t important in an image like this. Very nice!
Thanks, Ellen. A lot of factors have to come together to get a shot like this, including having a cooperative subject. 🙂
Great Butterfly Image Mike! Enjoyed seeing it!