Saturday, October 3, 2009

Shadow Shot Sunday: The Damselfly

This shot was taken near the end of July. The sun was high in the sky and the light so harsh that this little damselfly is almost washed out against the weathered board of the deck steps. I had been trying for weeks to get just one shot that I was happy with. When I downloaded the photo I was concentrating on the fact that he wasn't as crisp and clear as I had hoped; but then I focused my attention on his shadow. In the photo his wings seem non-existent except in the shadow. The shadowed wings look like a lightly painted stencil on the wood. The normally straight abdomen is distorted by the wood and the light and in shadow looks like those old metal tinsel decorations on our Christmas tree when I was growing up.
This photo might not show this little guy's best side; but I find his shadow pretty unique.
For more Shadow Shots join Harriet here.

30 comments:

Sylvia K said...

It is indeed a unique shadow shot! Great composition with wood and I think it's terrific!!

Enjoy!

Sylvia

Rambling Woods said...

It's nice to find something you didn't expect. I hear you about how hard it is to get some of the insect shots especially the delicate damsels... But it is a really interesting photo... Michelle

Gemma Wiseman said...

The damselfly's shadow creates the beauty of the fragile, the almost invisible! Lovely!

Anonymous said...

I can't even imagine how hard it must be to get a photo like that. It's wonderful and the shadow is excellent. Very well done my friend :) Aloha

Hey Harriet said...

That is a very unique image and I love the shadow. It looks great against the texture of the wood. It's fun when we upload our photos and see things that we didn't really notice when taking them in the first place :)

Unknown said...

Lovely shot!
The texture and the sahdow work great together with the tiny Damselfly body!

Chubby Chieque said...

It's great having something when your not looking for it, isn't it?

This cool... subtle yet appealing.

Happy SSS

Crafty Green Poet said...

it's a wonderfully subtle shadow shot,

maryt/theteach said...

Beautiful shot, Carletta! Ft. Schuyler where I took my shot is a lovely place to go and sit out... :)

Quilt Works said...

I love it that you were able to find beautify in every day life. Wonderful!

Rosebud Collection said...

I have a few shots of a dragon fly on my blog..Is that the same thing?
Anyway, I chat a mile a minute with them and this one kept flying back to me..Wonderful shadow shot.
Happy SSS.

Dimple said...

I like!

Rose said...

This is indeed a great shot, Carletta! The shadow of his non-existent wings was the first thing I noticed.

Magical Mystical Teacher said...

Against weathered boards,
damselfly is camouflaged
from its enemies.

My Shadow Shot

Anonymous said...

Awesome shadow shot. Love it!

Paz

Janie B said...

Very cool, Carletta.

DeniseinVA said...

Terrific photo Carletta. They do have such delicate little wings and they are so fast! I haven't been able to get one decent shot all summer and yours is super. Have a wonderful week.

Nessa said...

He's like a dragonfly sundial. Beautiful.

MaR said...

Fantastic shot and I love the shadow!!

Ellie said...

It is amazing the level of detail you got from the tiny fairy wings!

Hildegarde said...

That's an unique way of photographing a damselfly : congrats !

Tom said...

What a great shot Carletta... I like the texture of the wood, and those eyes.. :O)

Raven said...

Very cool shadow shot. It's amazing how light and shadow sometimes work together and sometimes against each other. Amazing that you see the wings only in shadow. Nifty shot.

Unknown said...

What a nice surprise to see the shadow after at first being disappointed. Neat!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Thanks Carletta for your kind comments on my blog. It was a rough weekend for me--but time heals.. Thanks again!!!!

Love your damselfly photo...
Hugs,
Betsy

JunieRose2005 said...

This is a very cool shot, Carletta!

Hope I can have one for next time!

Melli said...

A snazzy shadow INDEED! I am still so jealous of these dragon/damselfly shots you've gotten! I've come to the conclusion that one has to have INCREDIBLE patience to photograph them... and that I don't have it! LOL! But you do! And they are wonderful!

Pat said...

Really cool shadow shot!

SquirrelQueen said...

Gorgeous shot, I love the shadow on the weathered wood.
Judy

Janice Thomson said...

You have a keen eye - this photo is delightful and superb in every aspect.