Today’s post is one of those “filler posts” that I publish from time to time. That doesn’t mean that they are less important than other posts, often I consider them to be the more important job that I partake in here. As is often the case, I begin by finding a few images from other photographers to share with you just to have something to post, and wind up realizing how many talented photographers there are in the world. With the exception of our final picture, all of these images were taken from my Flickr group on Earth Images. They were all located within the most current 40 pictures that I could find posted on Earth Images on a typical day. I am happy to say that the group has reached 1600, oops, make that 1603 members.

Let’s start with this wonderful flower photo from Wild Doc1. I enjoy the both selective lighting  and the black & white treatment in this image equally well. Everyone has their own tastes and style, and in this case Wild Doc1 has done a great job of sharing hers/his.

This photo of a Red Admiral Butterfly was created by Hoakar. One tried and true (and artistic) style used in capturing butterfly images is to photograph them with their wings spread on a flower. These shots are always pretty and they reduce depth of field issues by keeping almost everything on one single plane.

Below we have another common and beautiful technique for great butterfly photography. Fabio Pisciotta made this artful image of a butterfly perched outward on a plant. Notice Fabio has captured the entire butterfly sharply and has selectively kept the background, soft and unobtrusive.

Guillermo Chacon was the photographer in this photo of a perched dragonfly. The composition and simple background make this image a classic in it’s style, and excellent in its technical quality. Well-done Guillermo!

The next picture is my personal favorite  from today. Leave it to me to label the most unusual image of the day my favorite.

This is a drop of water on a feather. Robert Vierthaler created this miniature masterpiece. His composition, including camera position, his selective focus and overall depth of field, are flawless. A tiny vision with a giant point of view! Awesome!

I added this final picture at the last moment, and while it does not fit the criteria I used for today’s selections, I thought you would enjoy it.

The picture came from Facebook and was created by Stefano Ronchi. I am not sure of the owl’s species (European?), but really who cares? Let’s just celebrate the ’stop action” qualities of the image, as well as those eyes!

The question was asked of me not long ago, why when I share images from others, don’t I share pictures from my own friends. Most of my friends and acquaintances are photographers. The answer is, I have shared the work of friends and acquaintances on these pages, but most of that was before I began writing controversial political/social articles and a regular basis. The photographers work who’s I share now, care little about what I say and would not share any kinship with my opinions. In other words, they are not guilty by association. Some of my personal friends/photographers, are among the finest photographer/artists to be found anywhere.

I thank each of you for joining me in the celebration of the art of photography. There is an endless supply of talent in the world.  I attempt to always make sure to recognize that fact here at Earth Images Blog.

God Bless,                                                                                                                                                    Wayne