Welcome Visitor

Yes, Bill, a very welcome visitor, if you ask me, and you nailed him, photographically speaking. Exceptional detail in the fly, particularly noticeable in the fantastic wings in the larger view. Your calla would have been top notch even without the hoverfly, but the addition of the fly really puts this over the top. Thanks for sharing this one again.

Edit: This photo brings to mind a discussion I had with my wife last night about insect photography. With sophisticated set-ups, people capture some amazing insect close-ups, way larger than the life size capabilities of most macro lenses. The images are impressive indeed, and earn well deserved kudos. I am not sure, however, that for something for the wall, they are as appealing to the public ( frankly, this includes me) as an image like this where the insect is part of beautiful overall photo. It may be a beautiful flower or it may just be a beautiful background, but images like this have great appeal, as evidenced by your love of this image which now graces a wall in your home. The point of this comment is that a lot of sophisticated or expensive equipment is not necessary to capture macro images that are attractive, artistic, and appealing to the [buying] public.

Great shot, Bill, and a well deserved weekly pick, obviously. This shows that sometimes, pure luck can beat (or at least improve on) the most elaborate planning. I might be tempted to give this some low strength/high radius unsharp mask to enhance the local contrast on the fly slightly, but I realize that this is a rather personal thing and not everybody prefers this more punchy style I like.

It looks like you set this up with a platform for the star of the show. I can see the fly giving a speech from there. The fly is beautifully sharp, especially as seen in the larger version.

It's a fantastic image, no doubt. Just to pick up on Scott's comment, I love insects and close-ups of them, but I think that they need to be shown in their environment and sometimes how their existence contributes to what is around us. You do capture some of those elements in this shot. Beautiful.

This is a great image well composed and beautifully detailed. I can certainly see why this got a pick, it's just beautiful.

Beautiful image--love the way the petal curves and draws the eye up and in!

Bill:
A beautiful calla image with bonus fly. Perfect.

I see why it's your fav Bill. Love the comp that combines the graceful lines and beauty of the flower, with the added interest of the fly so well positioned in your frame..
Very nice.