Splash and Go

House sparrows bathe in the backyard water dish.

I Entered a Contest

Several months ago, while reading a photography magazine, I came across the announcement of a contest. I looked at the handful of photos that accompanied the announcement and thought, "I can do that." This was not a local or even national contest. It was the global Close-up Photographer of the Year (CUPOTY 6). I paid my euros soon after seeing the announcement. Then my confidence waned and I had a hard time choosing pictures to submit. I didn't submit my pictures until the day after the deadline, and I'm not even certain they were accepted.

I entered in the insects category. The "shortlist" has been published, and I can see why my pictures did not receive a mention. The great majority that made the shortlist are beyond my capability. Here are the pictures I submitted. I've posted most of these before.

Monarch caterpillar (2019). I chose this photo for its action: Did the caterpillar cause the stem to break?

Honey bee (2019). This one pleases me. The background is clean and the angle makes the image more interesting.

Black swallowtail caterpillar (2024). I chose this because of its simplicity.

I chose this because of the unexpected perspective.

Long-legged fly (2024). I chose this for the slightly low angle and the wave of the leaf's edge.

Honey bee (2024). I chose this for its artistic nature.