There was only one water lily in bloom last week at Green Spring Gardens—it did not have to share the spotlight with any other floating flowers. In some ways, its uniqueness made it even even more special. I love water lilies, but it may be a bit early for them to be blooming, at least at this pond.
As I was looking through my camera’s viewfinder, trying to think of an interesting way to photograph the single water lily, I spotted a tiny hover fly making a beeline for the center of the water lily. I reacted quickly and frantically clicked away. In most of my shots, the hover fly was out of focus, but my luck and timing allowed me to capture the first image below, in which the little insect is in relatively sharp focus—click on the image to get a closer look at the patterns on the hover fly’s body.
I realize that some viewers may prefer to enjoy the beauty of a flower without having to see insects, so I have added a second shot of the water lily that I took from a slightly different angle. No matter which image you prefer, I am confident that you will agree that the water lily is stunning—I love the way that the center of the flower seems to glow.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
I like them both, Mike. My favorite is the one with the hover fly. The lighting makes it look like the fly is adding light to the lily…great work, Mike. Amazing!!
Thanks so much, Suzette, especially for your explanation. It is hard for me to know how others will view my photos–I know what I like, but am very aware that personal preferences vary wildly.
I love your photos, Michael. They make me stop and marvel. You are like a psalmist with pictures.
Wow. Thanks so much, Therese. One of my greatest joys is sharing the beauty of the world with others through my photos and through my words. There is an amazing amount of beauty all around us that we often miss–my photos, most of which are taken locally, help to remind others to slow down and to stop, look, and listen.
I agree! A psalmist indeed.
Well worth zooming in on Mike, cracker shot! Insect for me 🙂
Thanks. So far virtually everyone prefers the shot with the insect. 🙂
They are so beautiful and seem unreal! I love water lilies.
Thanks. Some of my absolute favorite paintings are the ones that Monet did of water lilies.
I should’ve mentioned that as I was thinking the exact same thing when I saw this! Thank you for making that connection.
Great minds… Have a wonderful Friday.
Exactly! You too, Mike!
Very Nice Mike! I like them both!
Both shots are beautiful. My favourite is the first one with the insect. Such a delicate, glowing flower!
Thanks, Chris. I think it adds visual interest when I can photograph a flower with an insect, which tends to be my default position. Of course, the insects don’t always cooperate, but that is a separate issue. 🙂
So beautiful, who would have thought that a fly on a flower would make a great photo, but it does! 🙂
Thanks. I too think that it works pretty well. 🙂
Such pristine beauty…flower and fly! Thank you, Mike, for sharing with your readers what you see that interests you. It is greatly appreciated.
The number of times that I’ve noticed a bee hovering around flowers or a bird sitting in a tree and I go to grab my camera and… oh, it flew off. Well done in taking these photos! 🙂 The water lily looks so beautiful. ❤
Seeing the beauty is a reward in and of itself. Being able to capture it in a photo is a bonus. 🙂
[…] A single water lily […]
Yes, stunning, and both captures are compelling, both for the fly/no fly and the slightly different angle on the center yellow. I find these lilies to be fun subjects, much more complex than they first appear.
Lovely! This reminds me of the article I just wrote about the Lily. Amazing work Mike!
Thanks. One of my neighbors loves all kinds of lilies and I often go to her garden to photograph them when they are in bloom.
Awesome. I’d love to see them!
Here’s are links to a few postings I have done that show her lilies: https://michaelqpowell.com/2020/06/10/lilies-in-early-june/ ; https://michaelqpowell.com/2020/07/26/double-tiger-lilies/ ; and https://michaelqpowell.com/2020/06/10/lilies-in-early-june/ .
Thank you!