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Happy Fella

© Val Feldman

Happy Fella

Uploaded: July 28, 2010

Description

~Blue Dasher~

ID compliments of Jim Baines...Thanks, Jim!

It's one of those "duh days"...am stalled for a title...but can't help looking at this and thinking how happy this guy looks hanging out in the lily pond in the early morning and warming up his flight muscles for about a thousand buzz-arounds the lily pond at Zilker Botanical Gardens here in Austin....



Exif: F Number: 10, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 3125/1000000 seconds, Flash: did not fire., ISO: 320, White balance: Manual white balance, FocalLength: 105.00 mm, Model: NIKON D300

Comments

Nancy J. Locke July 28, 2010

WOW VAL!!! This photo SINGS!!!

Cheers, Nancy J Locke #1292448

Usman M. Bajwa level-classic July 28, 2010

Beautiful close-up with great color and details, Valerie!

UB. #8790572

Joannie Bertucci level-classic July 28, 2010

All I can say is...we do grow them big in Texas! :-) Outstanding macro work Valarie, love the beautiful summer colors and excellent details! #8790576

Agnes Fegan level-deluxe July 28, 2010

This is fantastic Val...like an image from a nature show, you caught him in his own little world! #8790646

Jeff Robinson level-deluxe July 28, 2010

Very Impressive - Outstanding work Valarie! Jeff #8790665

Robert R. Goodman July 28, 2010

Hi Valarie,That is absolutely awesome my friend.Stunning capture with beautiful color and detail.This is going to be a winner and favorite!!! #8790689

Marilyn Cornwell July 28, 2010

Ooh Ooh! This is so fabulous, it's travelling on to the Finalists! #8790810

Bojan Bencic level-classic July 28, 2010

Amazing colors and details, Valarie. Spectacular macro. #8790850

Patricia Seidler July 28, 2010

Fabulous capture Valarie with great detail and color. They are so hard to capture and you make it look so easy! #8790993

Nikki McDonald level-classic July 28, 2010

This is a splendid capture, Valarie, with perfect detail, great light and color and wonderful curving backgrounds surrounding this happy fella. Title works! #8791041

Monnie Ryan July 28, 2010

Fabulous detail, composition and colors, Valarie -- outstanding work! #8791070

Claudia Kuhn level-classic July 28, 2010

Beautiful capture Valerie, love the comp and colors. #8791097

Karen Celella July 28, 2010

He puts a smile on my face! Great macro, Valerie! #8791178

Marty Straub July 28, 2010

Awesome capture of this cutie, Val. You definately bring out his personality in crisp detail. #8791200

Jack Ryan July 28, 2010

Wow! One of your very best images!!! Outstanding detail, color and comp...great work!!! #8791315

Linda D. Lester level-classic July 28, 2010

Excellent detail.....looks happy to me! #8791326

Kathy Salerni level-classic July 28, 2010

The first thing I thought was what stunning light on this dragonfly! Beautiful shot with great color, light, POV and clarity, Val! Very well done! #8791382

Pamela Shane July 28, 2010

Valarie, this is simply a spectaclar macro!! The tiny details are amazing, & if I look close enough at his face, swear, I can see a smile!!!! #8791534

Valentin M. Armianu July 28, 2010

Excellent macro, Valarie!! Great details and colors!! #8791598

Alan L. Borror July 28, 2010

Superb macro, Valerie! Great detail and color. Your gallery is outstanding. #8791778

Gord MacEachern July 28, 2010

Love this Valarie, the little fella has a nice little smile for you!!
Incredible image as usual !! #8791796

Ann Coates level-classic July 28, 2010

Outstanding Valarie, the detail and colours are superb. #8791960

Kitty R. Rodehorst-Hanna July 28, 2010

HOLY MOLY, Val! This image is over-the-top AWESOME! :-) K #8792008

Lorraine A. Cook July 28, 2010

DOUBLE WOW! PHENOMENAL details in this INCREDIBLE macro, Valarie!!<:))

Cicada killer wasps took over my backyard five years ago. They are very, very territorial and chase other insects away...like butterflies and dragonflies. They try to chase me away...but I've learned how to deal with them. My chocolate lab, Lucky, will snap at them!

I tried to provide Professor Chuck Holliday's Cicada Killer Wasp page...but am having trouble copying it. For three years...I captured the wasps and their paralyzed cicadas and sent them to the Professor to help with his research that spanned 20 years.

I'm recovering from surgery...so my computer time is somewhat limited...for now.

Have a wonderful evening!!<:)) #8792094

Thomas E. Hinds July 28, 2010

I think this is really incredible! Love it and would be surprised not to see it again, and again! Great work, Valarie! #8792108

Amy M. Wilson July 28, 2010

WOW... a simply stunning capture of this difficult subject!!! Love the colors, details, lighting and clarity - just perfect, Valarie!! #8792193

Tammy Espino July 28, 2010

A fantastic capture ~ They always do look happy :) #8792238

Patrick Rouzes level-classic July 28, 2010

Exceptional clarity, tones, colors, detail, lighting, focus, dof & presentation here Valarie! Winner in my books & good luck with this! WTG! #8792294

Renata Gusciora July 28, 2010

Outstanding macro,Valarie!Excellent lighting,details and colors!Super capture! #8792368

Freddy Bland July 28, 2010

This is a beauty, Valarie!! Outstanding in every way!! #8792535

Leslie McLain level-classic July 29, 2010

Wow. Amazing capture and details, Valerie. #8792883

Gina Cormier July 29, 2010

Outstanding color and detail Val...(as always) My Queen! I hobble to you greatness....I have to hobble now cause of the @@%#&@% bike. :-) lol #8792974

Julie Burnett July 29, 2010

As always, your attention to detail is astounding, Val. Gorgeous light, clarity, and composition, and love the expression!! :) #8793010

Patti Coblentz July 29, 2010

Superb details and lighting...I love the background coupled with this happy "big" guy! Great macro, Val! #8793039

Val Feldman level-classic July 29, 2010

Thanks for dropping by everyone and bringing along your comments...as always, nice to hear from you and always appreciated! ~Val #8793156

Karen Bacon July 29, 2010

Outstanding image Valerie! He does look happy! #8793692

Val Feldman level-classic July 29, 2010

Thanks, Karen! #8793768

Ellen Hodges July 30, 2010

Absolutely wonderful capture, Val! Looks so beautiful!! #8794729

Hal Bambrick July 30, 2010

Stunning Crisp Capture Val!!!!!!!. #8795123

Rony Sagy July 30, 2010

Wow, spectacular clarity and bright colors. What a wonderful capture, Val. #8795828

Val Feldman level-classic July 30, 2010

Thanks so much Ellen, Hal and Rony! Have a great weekend everyone! ~Val #8796504

Bonnie C. Lackey level-classic July 31, 2010

The colors are amazing - as is the detail - and that big grin is captivating! #8797264

Kathleen Rinker July 31, 2010

Hi Val, love this image, great comp, color, details and lighting!! #8797427

Carol L. Fowler July 31, 2010

Wonderful image. And obviously a winner. What more can I add??? #8797549

Debra R. Harder July 31, 2010

Holy Cow, Valarie! What can I say!! Truly brilliant...and a winner for sure. A FAV for me!! Deb #8797949

Val Feldman level-classic August 01, 2010

Thanks Bonnie, Kathleen (good to see you back!), Carol and Deb for your comments....much appreciated! ~Val #8799498

Courtenay Vanderbilt August 01, 2010

Hey girl, thanks! This is outstanding! I had one visit my pond last year that was most accommodating! #8799930

Sam Britt August 02, 2010

Terrific macro, great color & detail, Val. #8802395

Jim Baines level-classic August 03, 2010

I'd say he's a perfect "Blue Boy"! Or "Dashing Blue"? Well, lessee, the dark-tipped, pale blue abdomen is the first clue, followed by the white face and greenish eyes. Hmmm .. then the black and yellow striped thorax nails it!! Yep, the perfect Blue Dasher, Pachydiplax longipennis ... but despite the Latin “longipennis” in the scientific name these guys are not particularly long-winged. You got all the clues lined up perfectly! Superb colors and crisp details galore! Depth of field outta this world! I'd say splendid and harmonious, Texanna !! I'd love to see your EXIF. #8803202

JO ANN CLEVELAND August 03, 2010

Ohhh how beautiful and such a magnificent macro Valarie...looks like a winner to me!

jo ann c. #8803461

Val Feldman level-classic August 04, 2010

Thanks Courtenay, Sam, Tex and JoAnn! #8805814

Douglas Pignet August 04, 2010

I can't add anymore to what was already said...Simply a lovely capture #8806073

Val Feldman level-classic August 04, 2010

Thank you, Mr. Doug...you said just the right amount! :) #8806295

Hayden Cannon August 06, 2010

Fantastic capture Valarie, great colors, pov, comp, lighting and details very nice shot! #8809905

Renee Doyle August 06, 2010

Awesome capture Valarie!! Colours, clarity and comp are all spot on!! #8810637

Tommy E. Burgess August 06, 2010

Outstanding macro with excellent light, detail, colors, dof and composition Val!! #8811232

Terry Cervi level-deluxe August 10, 2010

Valarie, your work is remarkable! #8818964

Nadia Paul August 10, 2010

Gorgeous light and wonderful details Valarie! #8819275

Val Feldman level-classic August 12, 2010

Thanks Hayden, Renee, Tommy, Terry and Nadia for your comments...so appreciated!! ~Val #8822181

Patricia Seidler August 13, 2010

Congratulations Valarie. Outstanding finalist! #8825257

Freddy Bland August 13, 2010

Happy to be the first to congratulate you on this stunning Finalist, Tammy!! So well deserved!!! #8825261

Valentin M. Armianu August 13, 2010

Congratulations on this wonderful Finalist, Valarie! #8825267

Douglas Pignet August 13, 2010

Congrat's on this wonderful finalist image #8825299

Michelle Alton August 13, 2010

Outstanding work...and a perfectly luscious crowd pleaser. Congratulations, Valarie, and I know it's not through yet! #8825562

Dianna Murphy August 13, 2010

Awesome work girl friend. Congratulations. #8825591

Gina Cormier August 13, 2010

Congrats!!!!!!!! WTG!!!!!!!!!!!!!! #8825708

Randy A. Myers August 13, 2010

Congratulations on your finalist. Good luck in the next round. #8825900

Jack Ryan August 13, 2010

Congratulations, Val...a very deserving selection. #8825942

Monnie Ryan August 13, 2010

WTG, lady -- a great big congratulations! #8825952

Robert R. Goodman August 13, 2010

A Big Congratulations,Valarie.WTG my friend!!! #8825973

Anita Hogue August 13, 2010

Warmest Congratulations, Val!
#8826313

Phyllis H. Burchett August 13, 2010

Awesome capture, congrats on your finalist! #8827043

Terry Cervi level-deluxe August 13, 2010

Congrats on this super Finalist, Valarie! #8827948

Melissa G. Meiselman August 13, 2010

Amazing capture!!! Congrats, Valarie!!! #8828046

Gord MacEachern August 13, 2010

A big congratulations on all your well deserved finalists Val, good luck in the next round! #8828180

Sam Britt August 13, 2010

Big congrats, Val. Terrific finalist!! #8828321

Patti Coblentz August 13, 2010

Big congratulations on this superb finalist, Val!! #8828619

Ellen Hodges August 13, 2010

Congrats on a fabulous finalist, Val!!!! Very best luck!!!! #8828964

Thomas E. Hinds August 13, 2010

Just a beautiful piece! So glad it made Finalist! Congratulations, Val! #8828979

Julianne Bradford August 13, 2010

So many beautiful fianlists! Congratulations Valarie, this is just beautiful ! #8828986

Kathy Salerni level-classic August 13, 2010

HUUUUUUUGGGGGEEEE congrats on this wonderful finalist, Val! Best of luck in the next round! #8829165

Joannie Bertucci level-classic August 13, 2010

Not surprised to find this on the Finalist list Valarie! Now on to the "Gold"! :-) #8829533

Marilyn Cornwell August 14, 2010

I'm so happy to see this as a Finalist, Valarie - it's one of my favourites from last month!! #8830034

Stefania Barbier level-classic August 14, 2010

huge congrats on your beautiful finalist!!! #8830168

Carol Eade level-classic August 14, 2010

Beautiful work, Valarie, warm congratulations! #8830262

Carol L. Fowler August 14, 2010

Beautiful work! Congrats on this wonderful Finalist Val! #8830531

Bojan Bencic level-classic August 14, 2010

Congratulations on all your finalists, Valarie. Love this one. #8831534

Debra R. Harder August 14, 2010

No surprise here, Valarie! Love this!! Huge congratulations on your OUTSTANDING finalist! Deb #8831634

Amy M. Wilson August 14, 2010

I agree with Deb... no surprise here - huge congrats on your well-deserved Finalist, Val! #8831680

Patrick Rouzes level-classic August 14, 2010

Agree also! CONGRATULATIONS on all your finalists, Valarie! Good luck with them all, my friend! WTG! #8831750

Melissa Olsen August 14, 2010

Congrats Valarie on this and all of your finalists. Great job! #8832195

JO ANN CLEVELAND August 14, 2010

Congratulations on this awesome Finalist Valarie, you are on a roll girl!

jo ann c. #8832513

Julie Burnett August 14, 2010

I really expect to see this one again, Val. Congratulations on another stunning finalist! #8832931

Nancyj E. Hovey level-classic August 14, 2010

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S
on your very deserving FINALIST! 8o) #8832995

Courtenay Vanderbilt August 14, 2010

Just stunning,Valarie! Congratulations! And I apologize if I don't get around to all of them! #8833301

Tommy E. Burgess August 14, 2010

Huge congratulations on this stunning finalist Val!! Best of luck in the next round! #8834492

Ann Coates level-classic August 14, 2010

Congratulations on your stunning finalist Valarie. #8834722

Daniella Puente August 15, 2010

Congrats Valarie! fabulous photo :) #8837487

Karen Celella August 16, 2010

Congratulations on your wonderful finalist, Valarie! #8838771

Patricia Seidler August 16, 2010

A winner! Congratulations Valarie! #8839797

Patrick Rouzes level-classic August 16, 2010

HEYYYYYYYY, Valarie, CONGRATULATIONS on this phenomenal GOLD MEDAL WINNER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! #8839815

Renee Doyle August 16, 2010

Fantastic detail!!! Big congratulations on this excellent first place winner!! #8839850

Leslie McLain level-classic August 16, 2010

Congrats on your terrific winner, Valerie. #8839852

Agnes Fegan level-deluxe August 16, 2010

This Happy Fella brought you good luck...congratulations Valarie!!! #8839946

August 16, 2010

Congratulations on your outstanding 1st Place Gold award Valarie. A very deserving win for an outstanding photo.

Brian #8840031

Julie Burnett August 16, 2010

WHOO-HOO Cuz!! Just a fabulous photo, congratulations on your FIRST place win!! #8840072

Michelle Alton August 16, 2010

This one had winner written all over it, Valarie. Wow! Congratulations! #8840180

Kitty R. Rodehorst-Hanna August 16, 2010

Fantastic July Winner, Val! WTG, girl friend! :-) k #8840212

Nancyj E. Hovey level-classic August 16, 2010

C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S
on your very deserving
FIRST PLACE WINNER! 8o) #8840280

Carol L. Fowler August 16, 2010

WTG! A big Texas Cheer for the WIN! #8840338

Melissa G. Meiselman August 16, 2010

WOW!! This is a most impressive first place winner, Valarie!! Huge congratulations!!! #8840363

Carol Eade level-classic August 16, 2010

Warm congratulations on your wonderful first place, Valarie!! #8840407

Anita Hogue August 16, 2010

I'm loving this fabulous winner, Valarie! CONGRATULATIONS!!! #8840503

Randy D. Dinkins level-classic August 16, 2010

Wonderful shot, great clarity and color, great job. Congrats! #8840551

Susan Candelario level-classic August 16, 2010

Big Congratz and very well deserved! #8840624

Patti Coblentz August 16, 2010

A big huge congratulations on this stunning win, Val...so pleased for you!!! #8840699

Monnie Ryan August 16, 2010

Yay, Yippee, WTG -- any way you say it, it comes out CONGRATULATIONS, Valarie! #8840736

Val Feldman level-classic August 16, 2010

Busy cleaning up supper dishes and never had a chance to look at the happenings of BP...so was surprised...and happy when I did! Thank all of you so much for your wonderful support and comments. I truly appreciate all your kindness and think I'll leave the rest of the dishes for my husband! :) Thanks again!! #8840765

Robert R. Goodman August 16, 2010

WTG,my friend.Congratulations Valarie!!! #8840781

Tammy Espino August 16, 2010

Congrats :) #8840820

Debra R. Harder August 16, 2010

WTG, Valarie!! I knew this was a WINNER all the way!! HUGE CONGRATULATIONS on your OUTSTANDING FIRST PLACE WINNER!! Deb #8840874

Thomas E. Hinds August 16, 2010

Fantastic Winner, Val! Just superb work! #8840931

Danny B. Head August 16, 2010

What great detail! Congrats on a great win! #8841098

Steve M. Harrington August 16, 2010

Richly deserved, Val! :)
Steve #8841101

Courtenay Vanderbilt August 16, 2010

Hey, Val! CONGRATULATIONS on this awesome winner! #8841168

Ellen Hodges August 16, 2010

Huge congrats on this fabulous winner, Val!!!!! Yeah!!! #8841206

Sam Britt August 16, 2010

Big Congratulations on your terrific first place winner, Val! #8841211

Nadia Paul August 16, 2010

Congrats on this stunning and well deserved winner Val! #8841388

Terry Cervi level-deluxe August 16, 2010

Huge congrats on your win, Val! It's stunning!! #8841561

Usman M. Bajwa level-classic August 16, 2010

HUGE CONGRATZ on this terrific First Place Winner, VAL! WTG!

UB. #8841800

Bonnie C. Lackey level-classic August 16, 2010

BRAVO!!! #8841877

Bojan Bencic level-classic August 16, 2010

Congratulations on your fantastic winner, Valarie. #8841969

Joannie Bertucci level-classic August 16, 2010

I knew this critter had a winning face!:-) Congratulations Valarie! #8842075

Stefania Barbier level-classic August 17, 2010

gorgeous win, congratulations! #8842372

R. J. Laudenbacher level-classic August 17, 2010

WTG Valarie...A big congratulations on this fantastic winner. #8842456

Karen Celella August 17, 2010

I'm sure his happiness is now all yours Valerie! Congratulations on your terrific first place winner! #8842533

Gina Cormier August 17, 2010

WOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS ON THIS SUPERB IMAGE!!!

WELL DESERVED!!!!!!!!!!

My Macro Queen!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


(grovel, grovel) #8842724

Linda D. Lester level-classic August 17, 2010

Awesome shot....Congratulations on your 1st place win!!!!! #8842792

Mary Beth Aiello level-classic August 17, 2010

Just outstanding, Val. Huge congrats on this fantastic GOLD. #8842876

Kathy Cline August 17, 2010

KILLER SHOT LOVE IT
CONGRATULATIONS

glitter-graphics.com #8842913

Val Feldman level-classic August 17, 2010

A basket full of posies! Thank you, Kathy...and thanks to all of you my BP friends for stopping by and commenting...you're all the best and all very appreciated for both your very fine work, as well as, the support and encouragement you give to others! #8843032

Julianne Bradford August 17, 2010

Oh goodie! I knew it! BP sure knows how to crown winners :-) I'm so-o pleased that this terrific image won first place Valarie!!! It's so deserving. Congratulations many times over :-) I wish I knew how to send you fancy flowers like Kathy! #8843192

Kathleen Rinker August 17, 2010

Huge congrats my friend!!!!!! #8843317

Rony Sagy August 17, 2010

Super congratulations on this spectacular image, Val. #8843391

Jeff Robinson level-deluxe August 17, 2010

Congrats Valarie on your Outstanding 1st Place Win!! Jeff #8843570

Ann H. Belus level-deluxe August 17, 2010

Outstanding winner, Val! Huge congratulations!!! #8843684

Laura E. Swan level-classic August 17, 2010

HUGE congrats on your HUGE GOLD WIN Val!

So very exciting!!! Big smile here for you. What a beautiful image!

-Laura

#8843863

Denny E. Barnes level-classic August 17, 2010

Very Beautiful, Valarie! Congratulations on you excellent First Place Win!! It well deserves the gold!!! #8844006

Barbara Socor August 17, 2010

Outstanding alright! A beauty of shot no matter what you call it....The background adds real magic to this wonderful capture. Congrats on a very well-deserved first place win Valerie. #8844664

Kathy Salerni level-classic August 17, 2010

Huuuuuumongus congrats on your First Place win, Val! So well deserved! #8844702

Janie S. Oliver August 17, 2010

Fantastic! Congrats on your win! #8844814

Ann Coates level-classic August 17, 2010

Huge congratulations on your fantatic win Valarie. #8844909

Dianna Murphy August 18, 2010

Big congratulations on your outstanding winner my friend. Big hugs and high fives! #8845806

ALLEN O. HOWARD August 18, 2010

An excellent capture and winner Valarie! Congratulations! #8845945

Phyllis H. Burchett August 18, 2010

Congrats to you Valarie on this fantastic winner! #8847098

Manos Peponas August 18, 2010

Congratulations on your well deserved win! #8847231

Manos Peponas August 18, 2010

Congratulations on your well deserved win! #8847232

Donna La Mattino Pagakis August 18, 2010

Congratulations on your BIG FIRST PLACE win Valarie! Truly amazing work! #8847305

Val Feldman level-classic August 20, 2010

A warm and most heartfelt thanks to all of you...you're the BEST! ~Val #8851194

Lindley Johnson level-classic August 21, 2010

Awesome detail, color, and composition, Valarie! Congratulations on your fabulous First Place win! #8852590

Diane E. Deming level-classic August 22, 2010

Another beauty, Val. Congratulations on your big win! I've been out west for two weeks on vacation so I haven't kept in touch. #8855309

Karen Slagle November 18, 2010

Wow, Valarie. I'm not sure how I missed this little beauty. A huge belated congrats on your winnind image. Everything about this is topnotch... #9048524

Dayna Cain level-classic June 01, 2012

Val, this image is incredible! An absolutely perfect capture! #10164286

Mary K. Robison May 18, 2016

CONGRATULATIONS on your Double Gold for this cute son-of-a-gun, Val! And this beautifully detailed capture certainly deserves its place among the ALL-TIME Gold Awards! #11475572

Carol Eade level-classic July 08, 2016

Congratulations on your beautiful All Time Winner, Val! #11493533

Ray level-classic July 11, 2016

A Huge congratulations for another superb All Time Winner, Val! #11494775

Tammy M. Anderson level-deluxe July 11, 2016

Amazing capture. Congrats on your AT winner. #11494885

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