The main subject of one of my photos is usually pretty clear—I try to fill as much of the frame as possible with the insect or bird on which I am focusing at that moment with a telephoto or macro lens. Of course, it is often impossible to “fill the frame,” because my wildlife subjects frequently are skittish and are likely to depart if I move too suddenly or get too close to them.
As I was reviewing my photos from a visit to Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge last week, I came across this shot of a Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus). The wren was pretty far away and had its back to me. The only thing that saved this from being another “butt shot” was the slight turn of the wren’s head that provided me with a chance to get a profile shot.
The shot of the wren is ok, but it was the amazing background that took my breath away. I dabble with watercolor painting and I would be absolutely thrilled to be able to paint a background like this, with all of those different shades of green and the deliciously soft “bokeh ball.” Wow!
I decided that the main subject of the photo that I wanted to show you all was actually the background, not the Carolina Wren. Consequently I did not crop very tightly and left it to the viewers to focus their attention on the linear structure of the branches and on the wonderful background. I am not sure that a thumbnail view of the image will grab folks’ attention, but I am ok with that—the photos in my blog are intended to provide an interesting view of some aspect of the beauty of nature and not serve as click-bait to maximize the number of views.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
This is a stunning photo! The background really is fabulous but I also like the entire composition with the diagonals of the twigs and the twist in the wren’s pose.
Thanks, Laura. I invariably think of you whenever I post an “artsy” image. You have such a wonderful eye and an admirable way of describing what you like about an image. The cool thing about photography is that I can be as scientific and technical as I want or as artistic and creative as I choose–so many ways to express the different sides of me. 🙂
Terrific photo, Mike! She struck a pose just for you. 🙂
Thanks. I notice that deer sometimes do the same thing and glance over their shoulders at me as they slowly fade into the forest.
Love the background, the spiderwebs, AND the wren!