Picture of the day - May 31, 2008

"Dragonfly on a lily"

Photo courtesy of Bill James. Today's picture is not only a stunning piece of art, it is also an excellent example of how the proper use of depth of field can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. Notice how the dragonfly and lilies in the foreground are in sharp focus while the flowers in the background are little more than a colorful, blurred backdrop for the primary subject of the photograph. Photographer Bill James has managed to create a masterpiece with this shot, and here are a few words from him about the image: "I took this picture on Wednesday, May 28th. Our lilies are in full bloom, and while enjoying them for the short time that they’re here I saw this fella just hanging out. I crouched down to get this angle. He seems to be “on the ready” and smiling for an unsuspecting dinner prospect! The Picture was taken with a Nikon D80 Digital SLR equipped with a 55-200mm VR zoom lens, focal length 200mm, f/5.6, exp. 1/160, ISO 500."   --Bill James     Visitor Comments... Name: Phyllis Helton Town: Bristol, VA Extraordinary!! He does seem to be smiling, doesn't he?:-)   Click here to comment on this picture.   Visit the POTD Archives for previous "Pictures Of The Day"!     Submit a photo of your own!                                 Place the "Picture of the Day" on your website, for free! Why I publish the "Picture of the Day"