Monday, April 27, 2015

God's Artistry

While my big lens was at Canon being repaired, I took advantage of playing with my macro lens. Louisiana is full of unusual, and sometimes beautiful, insects. At least I think so! I've thrown in some plants for those that aren't into bugs.
Microcrambus elegans (Elegant Grass-veneer moth)

Wild strawberry

Grasshopper?

Ladybug with a heart.

Carolina Mallow

Sweet love

Carolina Mallow

Tent Caterpillers meeting on the boardwalk.

Sweat bee on Daisy Fleabane

I've learned a life lesson by observing and photographing bugs: Once I realized how God poured so much artistry, detail, and thought into each creature, they've become difficult to despise or swat away. Carrying that same thought out to people, if we really and truly got to know them, wouldn't that knowledge make it harder to push them aside or ignore? Maybe I'm not articulating this right, but I feel I'm onto something! :) We don't take the time to SEE. Do y'all get what I'm saying? 

36 comments:

Andy said...

WOW! You should do macro more often.

Merisi said...

Oh yes, I get it, and I could not agree more!

I am so grateful to my parents, who always would point out the small things, flowering weeds, bugs, the slant of light. One of my fondest childhood memory is sitting on the front porch, watching the clouds wandering by (big sky where I grew up!), the stars at nightfall, or lightening flashing over the sky. On summer nights, bats would come out from under the barn roof, darting back and forth.

nookworm said...

I get it! This is why your macros are so amazing and enlightening! Perhaps seeing these someone will be or at least try to be a kinder person.

Hootin Anni said...

Yes, yes!!! Viewing nature, and even listening to nature makes one stop and appreciate it all.

What a realm of beauty you've shared.

Author R. Mac Wheeler said...

you didn't warn us this was going to contain porn

he he

loved 'em

Christian Perrin said...

This has inspired me to look into a macro lens of my own--beautiful!

I agree that there is something unusual and insightful at a spiritual level to be gained from peering closely at invertebrates.

Anonymous said...

These tiny creatures are beautiful when you look closely. Wonderful shots here to show off their lovely colors and patterns.

TexWisGirl said...

great shots throughout. the carolina mallow seems similar to a tiny bloom i was trying to i.d. recently. maybe the same family. we have tent caterpillars GALORE this year! yikes! some cute bugs you've got there!

Anonymous said...

God is in the details! Exquisite shots.

Debbie said...

such a wonderful thought, really!!!

i have 9 favorites ;)

hootnonny said...

Amazing detail. I agree, unless they bite!

Inspired By June said...

These are amazing, Gail! and your words make them that much more endearing. There is a very real danger when we stop seeing people, especially when we start seeing them as a label or a number rather than a human being. The ladybug is my favorite, but I love them all!

Stephanie said...

Yes I agree with your statement. And understand what you were trying to say. Your macros are absolutely stunning, love the finer details in all your shots especially in the last shot. Thanks for sharing!

DeniseinVA said...

Well, your other camera may be away but I am very glad you took these macro shots. I am fascinated by the insect world through macro. The detail is incredible and you begin to appreciate them in a whole new way. That's me anyhow :) Great photos Gail and I like your flowers also :)

Joke (Joke's Camera) said...

A gorgeous series, Gail. Everything is so beautiful in close-up and macro. I agree with your last sentences. But, too bad, so little people have the same thoughts as you. The world would be certainly much better when people take time to get to know eachother and look at the good things of a person instead of hating, fighting and having prejudices. Maybe it's an utopia? Greetings, Joke

Anonymous said...

love that Carolina mallow.

maryaustria said...

These are amazing photos! So beautiful!!!

Anonymous said...

Amen! I feel the same way...and photography helped me get there, as well. These are all gorgeous. That Carolina Mallow is so pretty!

Unknown said...

Wonderful close ups of the tiny critters!

Hannah said...

Your closing thoughts are deep, I'm always so amazed at how God took such care to customize each tiny insect. The Microcrambus moth is wonderful, it reminds me of an Indian teepee in shape, and has a decoration rather like an Indian ceremonial mask. I like the little eyes peering out below the antennae. Moths fascinate me. That's a good point about appreciating the uniqueness of each human being we meet.

Irma said...

These are amazing macro photos.
You're a good photographer, Gail.

BeachGypsy said...

Hi Gail! ...new follower here. I am enjoying your lively blog and the beautiful photos...you are a talented photographer! I love the shot of the caterpillars with the blue stripes! they look so velvety soft!

eileeninmd said...

Hello Gail, It is wonderful to take the time to enjoy nature.. Your photos are just amazing.. Well done, have a happy day!

Anvilcloud said...

I grok what you're saying although it's not always easy to apply fine thoughts.

Ruth Hiebert said...

I do get what you're saying and I agree. Having said that,I am not a fan of bugs on me,so I will still be swatting at them,but will try to see the good in people more often.Great pictures.

Kenneth Cole Schneider said...

Excellent macro, and inspiring reflections.

Kathy said...

Stunning as usual!

diane b said...

Great macro shots where most of the insect is in focus. Well done. Good message too.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Sure I get what you're saying -- you are more articulate than you give yourself credit for. I think that's the thing about macro photography, it really does make you stop and think about this wonderful world! Your photos are incredibly lovely. (I like all the creepy crawlies -- and the one of the tent caterpillars meeting is especially priceless -- and of course I love the flowers to.)

Helma said...

You telephoto lens is being repaired and you can indeed beautiful with your macro lens underway. I see really great photos and for me photo 3, 4 and 6 really fantastic.

Anonymous said...

Amazing shots! I think the ladybug is my favorite.

Susan said...

Stunning macros, Gail, just incredible. The sweat bee is my favorite- that metallic green is beautiful. Of course, I like the lady bug too. I believe it was a sweat bee that I was (unsuccessfully) trying to photograph a few days ago. Maybe I'll have another opportunity soon.

Wally Jones said...

Superb photographs, Gail!
I totally understand your comments and agree. Photography has forced me to focus on details and that has spilled over into other areas of life observation as well.

Your third image, I think, is a grasshopper nymph.

Bethany Carson said...

Oooh, I was wondering how much better it could get after seeing your flower post, but these macros are absolutely awesome!

Indrani said...

Amazing macro captures. Your subjects are terrific!

Suzan said...

Wonderful of the bugs and flowers!! I've got to come up with other adjectives besides wonderful, awesome, and lovely!!! Need to go to the thesaurus to find "other words" for your amazing photos!!