Some say that the secret to capturing an effective image is to eliminate all of the non-essential elements. This image is about as minimalistic as I can get. The raindrops on the vegetation provide a sense of what has been and the shadows a hint that the sun was shining again when I spotted this stunning female Ebony Jewelwing damselfly (Calopteryx maculata) at Occoquan Regional Park on Friday.
The image itself is simple, but I am amazed at the details that I was able to capture of this tiny creature and encourage you to click on the image. If you do, you may be as shocked as I was, for example, at the length of the “hairs” on the damselfly’s legs—clearly leg shaving is not practiced among the ladies of this species.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Stunning image (as usual!), Mike. Such a beautiful, diaphanous insect when seen in this level of detail.
Thanks. Some of my photos simply record the presence of some of these beautiful creatures, but I am always happy when I can go beyond the documentary to an area that feels a bit more creative and even artistic. 🙂
Agree Mike. Your images of the damselflies and dragonflies alone could fill and art gallery. I need to project these onto the tv. The laptop does not do them justice. Beautiful.
Thanks, John. I have a few of my images that I have printed on canvases that are 20 x 30 inches in size that show off those details and make a big visual impact.
That’s an excellent photograph, Mike. I learned a rule about business writing from an editor friend of mine – “if you can remove a word without changing the meaning, remove it.” And then, of course, Albert Einstein said “you should make things as simple as you can, but no simpler “. I think he was talking about explanations.
Something I’ve learned from your photos is that those concepts can be applied in layers. This is clearly the most simple. But, I’ve seen you drift out to a certain point and put your subject in context. Then again, I’ve seen you bring us the whole scene. Each time, you include just what you need.
Good jo!
Thanks, Dan. In writing as in visual media, there are no hard and fast rules that apply in all circumstances. Words and images can be used in a variety of ways and what works in some circumstances can be ineffective at other times. I sometimes say that I am trying to capture photos that are beautiful and/or interesting, but am very conscious that both of characteristics are often subjective. For example, some viewers might be turned off by today’s photo simply because they do not like insects. When it comes to taking the actual shots that will appear in this blog, sometimes I have an idea of what I am aiming to achieve and sometimes I just take the shot that a fleeting opportunity provides to me. For today’s shot, I very deliberately sought to capture the water droplets on the vegetation when I saw the damselfly land there.
Oh wow, what a close up! And that hair!!
Very good. Beautiful.
Thanks.
Stunning capture of both creature and “atmosphere” – love the raindrops and the shadow!
Very nice, Mike!
One of my favorite damsels.
For a truly minimalist effect, however, next time try to wipe those distracting drops from the surface! 🙂
Wow, beautiful image capture!
Stunning is the word, Mike, and fabulous detail! Simpler, without the water drops, would not have been better in my opinion. In fact I think that is what elevated this image to a higher level. Very nicely done!
Thanks, Ellen. The water drops were in fact what initially drew me to try to capture this image. Having that extra visual interest, I think, helps to drawn in a viewer’s eye.
This is such an exquisite image: The details in the damselfly as we zoom in, the simplicity of the colours and composition… It is perfect, Mike!
Thanks, Chris. I sometimes chase after more exotic subjects, but in many ways I am proudest when I can capture an image like this one–a fairly ordinary subject captured with all the skill and artistic sense that I can bring to bear. A lot of things have to fall in place for an image like this one to work and it sure feels great on those rare instances when it works.
She is quite elegant!!
Thanks.
Very Nice Mike! Love the “soft” clean background!
It is cool when I can get that kind of background, though a lot of the times conditions do not allow me to do so.
Beautiful image, Mike!
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Thanks, Mitzy.
P.S. 😂 She is a pretty hairy-legged gal!
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