The Red and� The Wasp (Stendhal)

Photo Information

(23735)

Genre: Animals

Medium: Color

Date Taken: 2007-08-05

Categories: Insects

Camera: Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D, Konica Minolta AF 100 F2.8 Macro (D), Hoya HMC Super UV(0) 55 mm

Exposure: f/36.0, 1/125 seconds

Details: (Fill) Flash: Yes

More Photo Info: [view]

Photo Version: Original Version

Date Submitted: 2007-10-10 8:11

Viewed: 4704

Favorites: 1 [view]

Points: 120

[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note

"The Red and The Black"! This is a worldwide famous novel, written by eminent French writer of XIX century Stendhal (Marie-Henri Beyle).

Among set of assumptions of symbolical sense of the novel title there is a version according to which Stendhal wished to reflect two feelings, storming and owning the spirit of the protagonist. Passion � an impulse of soul, moral thirst, a unrestrained, involuntary inclination, and ambition � thirst of grades, glories.

As soon as I have seen this picture on the monitor, the images of this remarkable novel had appeared in my consciousness at once. The rose symbolizes all the beautiful in this life, striking feelings, and noble impulses of soul. The Wasp (at so aggressive pose) and black BG behind it symbolize the black forces counteracting the good and aiming to strangle any shoot of the beautiful. So the title of this picture was born.

In any case, I have decided to dedicate the whole series of pictures to my wife's roses (it is a hymn to her roses). This post is first of them.

We like various flowers. And my wife is trying to grow a lot of them. But this summer was the hottest. The daily temperature had reached a point of 41 degree on Celsius. It was necessary to make titanic efforts to keep flowers in a garden. This burden had laid down on shoulders of my wife. As a result, the roses blossom in our garden up to this day.

I have noticed that roses are not so attractive for insects as many other flowers. And I began to observe the roses carefully. Now I begin to meet you with my observation.

Whether do you wish to join us?
____

Add. shot info:
Focus mode: manual
Support: handheld
Add. equipment: teleconverter Kenko AF 2x Teleplus MC7 DG
Flash: in-built
Macro: about 1:1
Crop: practically full frame
____

Wasp
A wasp is any insect of the order Hymenoptera and suborder Apocrita that is not a bee or ant. The suborder Symphyta includes the sawflies and wood wasps, which differ from members of Apocrita by having a broader connection between the mesosoma and metasoma. In addition to this, Symphyta larvae are mostly herbivorous and "caterpillarlike", whereas those of Apocrita are largely predatory or "parasitic" (technically known as parasitoid).
The most familiar wasps belong to Aculeata, a division of Apocrita, whose ovipositors are adapted into a venomous stinger. Aculeata also contains ants and bees. In this respect, insects called "velvet ants" (the family Mutillidae) are technically wasps.
A much narrower and simpler but popular definition of the term wasp is any member of the Aculeate family Vespidae, which includes (among others) the genera known in North America as yellowjackets (Vespula and Dolichovespula) and hornets (Vespa).

See more info about wasp here:
Wasp

Rose
A rose is a flowering shrub of the genus Rosa, and the flower of this shrub. There are more than a hundred species of wild roses, all from the northern hemisphere and mostly from temperate regions. The species form a group of generally prickly shrubs or climbers, and sometimes trailing plants, reaching 2�5 metres tall, rarely reaching as high as 20 metres by climbing over other plants.

The name originates from Latin rosa, borrowed through Oscan from colonial Greek in southern Italy: rhodon (Aeolic form: wrodon), from Aramaic wurrdā, from Assyrian wurtinnu, from Old Iranian warda (cf. Armenian vard, Avestan warda, Sogdian ward, Parthian wâr).

Rose hips are sometimes eaten, mainly for their vitamin C content. They are usually pressed and filtered to make rose-hip syrup, as the fine hairs surrounding the seeds are unpleasant to eat (resembling itching powder). They can also be used to make herbal tea, jam, jelly and marmalade. A rose that has aged or gone rotten may not be particularly fragrant, but the rose's basic chemistry prevents it from producing a pungent odor of any kind. Notably, when balled and mashed together the fragrance of the rose is enhanced. The fragrance of particularly large balls of mashed roses is enhanced even further.

Rose shrubs are often used by homeowners and landscape architects for home security purposes. The sharp thorns of many rose species deter unauthorized persons from entering private properties, and may prevent break-ins if planted under windows and near drainpipes. The aesthetic characteristics of rose shrubs, in conjunction with their home security qualities, makes them a considerable alternative to artificial fences and walls.

Source:
Rose

pankajbajpai, red45, Argus, uleko, Tamrock, Patleboss, jaycee, nick27, peter_stoeckl, angybone, ellis49, Adanac, oscarromulus, scottevers7, Juyona, anel, Silke, Silvio2006, hester, fartash, NellyD, XOTAELE, cecilia, Isu, mlines, Maite, cicindela, metcher, nainnain, JORAPAVI, jeanpaul, SelenE, izler, ridvan, jcoowanitwong, sily, saguzar, grimmel, cedryk, PDP, Ena has marked this note useful
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Discussions
Thread	Thread Starter	Messages	Updated
To retlash: Form of a life	Alex99	1	10-30 10:13
To scottevers7: f/64.	Alex99	1	10-11 21:41
To meyerd: Sun & Flash	Alex99	1	10-11 11:51
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Critiques [Translate]

pankajbajpai (16627)
[2007-10-10 8:12]

hello alexei,
lovely macro shot, the image is very sharp, the red petals of the flower look beautiful, lovely poc,
well composed shot,
excellent work,
tfs & regards
pankaj

red45 (31094)
[2007-10-10 8:18]

Priviet Alexei!

Beautifull picture and beautifull dedication my friend! Your note is as always great! It's real piece of art. Wasp looks like charging bull, very aggresive pose indeed. And black BG and red, delicate rose. Very symbolic composition. Excellent job!

Argus (50626)
[2007-10-10 8:29]

Hello Alexei,
You present this wasp in a fine and unusual way: it is seldom we see a wasp from the front. Your high aperture has maximised the DOF and sharpness very effectively. Though the flash gives a night-time effect this could be quite appropriate as I'm sure your wife appreciates a rose presented in the evening!
Well done and thanks for sharing this one,
Best regards, Ivan

wishnugaruda (19365)
[2007-10-10 8:48]

So wonderful, Alexei,
the combination of that colours is pretty and we can see so many details on this wasp.
Thanks, I like it very much
Sabine - wishnugaruda

uleko (10940)
[2007-10-10 8:50]

Hello Alexei,
We certainly can't miss this one, he looks very threatening! I don't know the novel but it sounds very fitting. Excellent composition in fine colours with the wasp sharply in focus. Good note too!
Many thanks and best wishes, Ulla

joey (24909)
[2007-10-10 8:53]

Hello Alexei,
a beautiful portrait of this wasp.
Lovely dedication to your wife aswell :)
+++ Exceptional sharpness and detail in this shot! Great central composition that draws the eye towards the menacing-looking head. Vivid colours especially from the red rose. Great DOF.
--- Nothing :)
Well done,
Joe

John_F_Kennedy (3684)
[2007-10-10 8:55]

A lovely capture of this flower. This is a very creative and lovely shot. Well done.
Best wishes,
Achim

claudine (0)
[2007-10-10 9:13]

Hello Alexei,
This is such a complete post, well documented and much interesting :) I have heard about this novel but I have never read it... This is a great macro of this insect and yes, I agree, it is not often that we see them on roses... Details, POV, composition, exposure and colors are impressive and so is DOF! While writing this comment I smell rose, believe me, it's true; I can't explain it but I'm not joking :)! Thanks,
Claudine

Tamrock (1928)
[2007-10-10 9:20]

hi alexei!
colourful and fine macro with
good sharpness and nice exposure!
good work and tfs!

marmottelolo (14697)
[2007-10-10 9:23]

bonjour alexei
une nouvelle macro extra de votre part,cette guepe est tres bien prise,notamment la t�te qui est parfaitement nette.
les couleurs sont belles et vives.
bravo.
laurent

pirate (7474)
[2007-10-10 11:17]

Hi Alexei
great macro shot with centered compo which is working well here. nice dof and lovely colours
tfs
tom

Patleboss (5950)
[2007-10-10 11:52]

Lovely macro-shot Alex, I like so much the splendid defensive pose of the wasp, colors and sharpness are very good, black background contrast well with the red of flower,
cheer and thanks for sharing this very nice composition,
well done,
Pat

jaycee (25460)
[2007-10-10 12:53]

Hi Alexei,

I love the picture and I love the dedication to your wife's roses. The wasp on the rose is wonderful and I like the head-on pose. Amazing details, wonderful colors, and a very unusual wasp shot.

Jane

clnaef (6814)
[2007-10-10 22:46]

Bonjour,
Jolie gu�pe pr�te � l'attaque.
Bonne journ�e.
clnaef

Photoslave (1199)
[2007-10-11 0:11]

Hi Alexei,

very nice image, excellent POV, colors and sharpness

TFS

Gio

nick27 (299)
[2007-10-11 0:19]

Hi Alexei,
This photo is simply outstanding. The composition is great and the contrast in colours is amazing. Great POV.
Very Well Done,
Nick :-)

pablominto (14563)
[2007-10-11 0:26]

Hello Alexei,
A strong point of view, and great details of course!
I like how you use the intensely red flower as a compositional element, as it really enhances the main subject!
Well framed and pin sharp details!
Greetings,
Pablo -

peter_stoeckl (11530)
[2007-10-11 1:54]

Dear Alexei,
that looks very good, and reads very well, too! Another outstanding contribution from you my dear fried. Very high technical standards - amazing depth of field (f/36 - what a setting). Distinctly artistic poetic qualities, with loving care, fun and aggression.
Thank you! My best regards.
Peter

horia (16656)
[2007-10-11 3:49]

Hi Alexei

Another lovely macro shot from you, my friend, and a charming dedication. I'm sure she is happy with it :)
The face-to-face POV here is excellent and i'm also impressed with the DOF here: f/36...wow!
The details are all very clear and sharp and the colors are just beautiful!

Bravo and TFS
Horia

angybone (7684)
[2007-10-11 5:21]

Wonderful point of view. Excellent details/sharpness. Just a great shot!!!

ellis49 (2254)
[2007-10-11 8:36]

Hi Alexei,
the colours are amazing and the details are very good
in this front viewed wasp.
The DOF is great for this close and no lack of sharpness for F32.
Well composed with good POV.
Very well done, my friend.

meyerd (7531)
[2007-10-11 11:27]
[+]

Hello Alexei,
to this extraordinary portrait of a wasp I add my praise with pleasure. This is the kind of picture you like to look at for a long time. All details from Head to tail are there. You must use a sophisticated and powerfull flash to be able to work with f/36. Yet there are no disturbing shadows. Well done my friend.
My best regards,
Dietrich

viv (3317)
[2007-10-11 13:07]

Hello Alexei,
It is a wonderfull composition, of the red and ... Your POV is very special and artistic.
I like it.
Vivian

Adanac (21378)
[2007-10-11 13:35]

Hello Alexei,
Fabulous image with razor sharp details, from your great focus and exposure. Your depth of field is phenomenal at f36. Thanks for sharing.
Rick

captainsgirl (4088)
[2007-10-11 15:04]

Hi Alexei,
Oh my , this bee looks like hes going to fly right out of my computer and sting me!! ouch! Great detail. love the bright red flower he rests on! Great shot. TFS
Donna:o)

oscarromulus (42)
[2007-10-11 16:03]

Alexei,
What a remarkable and lovely note.
WONDERFUL DEDICATION.
41*C. That's HOT.!!!
It will take some doing to keep the flowers alive.
Fascinating subject.
I thought I had read a lot of them; Stendhal has escaped me.
Shall get it tomorrow.
Best of the best to you, Alexei.
Mario from the COLD.

scottevers7 (12309)
[2007-10-11 17:54]
[+]

Hi Alexei,
That is an excellent macro shot. I like the head on POV here. Vibrant color saturation and very sharp detail. DOF is superb. How do tou get to f36?? My Canon 180mm macro only goes to f22. Great job my friend.
Scott

Juyona (16891)
[2007-10-12 1:09]

Hola Alexei,
interesante macro,
colores y detalles hermosos,
foco estupendo,
siempre genial :)
saludos amigo.

jignasi (27917)
[2007-10-12 2:08]

Hola Alexei, esta toma nos recuerda por forma colores y composici�n a tu exitosa "rose to you" y aunque no tiene la elegancia de aquella, posee otros elementos diferentes que la hacen muy interesante. Cumple a la perfecci�n unas normas para mi importantes ( y que yo no domino a�n jeje ) que son iluminaci�n, la profundidad, el enfoque, que la hacen una toma did�ctica y pr�ctica. Con ella puedes dar una buena clase de anatom�a a los alumnos. Particularmente me gustan los fuertes contrastes creados. Es una foto sensacional.

Un saludo Alexei: J. Ignasi

Mana (18598)
[2007-10-12 2:51]

Hi Alexei,
My woe continues, just marking the shot for the time being and will come back with a proper critique later. Sorry.
Regards.
Sumon

anel (40574)
[2007-10-12 6:48]

hello Alexei,
I'm always amazed how photogenic wasps are, and if they are on a red flower, the picture becomes striking. What I like a lot in this picture is the unusual point of view you have chosen.
Very pleased to read that you like "Le rouge et le noir". It was of my favourite books in my young days, and my son is named Julien, like the heroe of the book.
Thanks alot for your interesting picture and note
Best regards
Anne

Silke (5458)
[2007-10-12 8:40]

Stunning colours, outstanding details and perfect composition! This is a truly wonderful posting
TFS
silke

Silvio2006 (102073)
[2007-10-12 9:47]

Hi Alexei, inusual POV for this splendid wasp with great details, excellent contrast with red BG, very well done, ciao Silvio

hester (11638)
[2007-10-12 11:50]

Hi Alexei

The beautiful red of the rose is a lovely base for the insect. The use of the flash is excellent. Wonderful POV and pin sharp...although I don't like the look he is giving you :)

TFS

Karan

fartash (5161)
[2007-10-12 11:54]

Hello Alexei
Very nice shot of this Wasp,
Perfect composition,DOF and use of flash,
Fantastic colors and POV,Superb shot.

Good Luck
Fartash

gannu (14761)
[2007-10-12 19:46]

Alexei, Very lovely shot and what a focus. Lovely macro shot and great clarity. Simply amazing and awful. Ganesh

NellyD (1783)
[2007-10-13 10:02]

Hi Alex,

This is the first time that I see a wasp this close and you've made a very good macroshot here.
Details, sharpness and composition is very good and I like the contrast of colours.
Thanks for sharing!

Greetings, Nel

XOTAELE (8)
[2007-10-13 10:55]

Magn�fica macro Alexei.
Hermosos colores y la combinaci�n entre ellos.
Buena y extensa nota.
Saludos, JL.

cecilia (4630)
[2007-10-13 18:22]

What a beautiful image,love the colours and detail.
The colour combination are fantastic...Nice one Alexei...
Cecilia

pvs (14464)
[2007-10-14 9:03]

Hi Alexei,

A superb macro with excellent details,colors and DOF and all this handheld,I am impressed of your steady hands,tfs

Paul

arfer (0)
[2007-10-14 15:11]

Hello Alexei

A very interesting POV on this shot.The lighting is excellent producing vivid and bold colour.The composition is very good .Well done.TFS

Rob

Isu (1663)
[2007-10-14 18:13]

Hola Alexei, excelente primer plano, fascinantes detalles el Insecto parece en actitu desafiante. Saludos Sira

mlines (3116)
[2007-10-15 3:54]

Hi Alexei, A brilliantly taken and coloured macro. So sharp and shows full bilogical details. Your work is of a very high standard, both macro and astronomical! THS, Murray.

Maite (5199)
[2007-10-15 7:33]

WOW!!
Colossal! Amazing! Beautiful and terrific at a time, with the agressive pose of the wasp and the lovely color and texture of the flower. A fantastic combination between threat and subtlety. The analogy with Stendhal's novel is perfect.
Magnificent job, my friend.
Congratulations and thank you very much for sharing. I'm wishing to see the rest of your wife's marvellous roses.
Greetings
Maite

cicindela (9226)
[2007-10-15 9:24]

Hello Alexei!
I am sorry for lack of comments last time - there was really bussy period of time for me :)
This image is another example how using simple elements (I mean 1 wasp and 1 flower) good photographer can prepare a fantastic picture. POV is fantastic - both a very good portrait of insect and wide panorama for beautiful flower.
TFS and best regards from Lodz!
Radomir

metcher (4284)
[2007-10-15 11:31]

Hi, Alex.
Great macro. Very interesting composition. Lovely colors and what a depth!

nainnain (6259)
[2007-10-15 14:55]

bonjour alex
tres belle macro, belles couleurs nettes et claires, du beau travail
merci a toi
edith

excuses pt)

JORAPAVI (4643)
[2007-10-15 15:00]

Hola Alexei,
Original y expresiva composici�n como nos tienes acostumbrados, con gran definici�n y buenos contrastes de colores, la nota muy amena y agradable, saludos
Jos� Ram�n

jeanpaul (14962)
[2007-10-15 16:11]

Bonsoir Alexei

Superbe macro de ce bel insecte,les couleurs sont jolies et d�tails sont d'une nettet� imp�cables,c'est du tr�s grand travail .
Amiti�s et au revoir...JP

SelenE (13972)
[2007-10-15 23:41]

Hi Alexei,
The setting is very good. I liked the details a lot. Very good focus, sharpness and composition. TFS
Best wishes,
Selen

izler (44)
[2007-10-16 4:59]

selam my friend
i like using of flash, high f levels under the day light for close-up working. sometimes i try like this. always you are presenting wonderful macro photos and composition, dark background, lighting, colours, sharpness and details are great in this photo
congratulations
regards
izler

ridvan (5205)
[2007-10-16 10:11]

hi; I was very bussy last time so that is the reason why I did not write any comments last days
excellent macro shot and very good composition of this insect .nice pov with splendid colours.well presented pose
Well done my friend!
Regards ridvan

jcoowanitwong (13754)
[2007-10-17 1:46]

Hello Alexei,
Beautiful macro picture. Great color contrast. The image is sharp and well seen. The rose is very pretty. TFS.
JC

sily (1934)
[2007-10-17 13:35]

HI Alex!
Very strong colors and pose, I like the radiance and POV,I also like Stendal's novels, nice conecting this shot with his works trough colorful symbolic, great work!

saguzar (7202)
[2007-10-18 16:39]

Hi Alexei,
ohhh!... a marvelous picture! I like the contrast between the red flower and the wasp, a very strong visual impact, and with a superb sharpness and illumination
Regards
Hern�n

grimmel (415)
[2007-10-19 11:50]

hi alexei,
fantastic close up ! very interesing and clear details.
attractive and bright colour combination.great POV.
well done ! best regards,
TFS - carole

cedryk (5270)
[2007-10-20 16:00]

Hello Alex,
I enjoyed a lot reading the extensive note by your picture. Also I enoyed looking at the shot itself :-) Very nice, face-to-face, capture. The bright red colour of the rose adds some dynamics and suspense to this frame.
Best greetings from Poland!
Michal

mrcrow (3008)
[2007-10-21 13:02]

dead on in your face and slightly aggressive...i dont like them this close having been stung often
but love the way you portray this one..
the deep red plushness makes the wasp more 'friendly' and shows well the black and orange markings
thanks
cheers
geof

PDP (11769)
[2007-10-28 15:03]

Hi Alexei, very good! Very strong composition and striking colours and positioning. The yellow of the wasp looks excellent against the red of the petals. Well done.

retlash (284)
[2007-10-29 13:48]
[Show CommentHide Comment] [+]

Bravo encore Alexei!
I don't know how you do it, but your macro shots are just about the best I have ever seen! Not only are they crystal clear but the colors and composition are fantastic!
If you ever quit your current job, I'm sure that you could earn a good living at photography!
Regards,
Michael

Ena (2454)
[2007-11-09 10:45]

Wonderful photo! Love the combination of colors! Good sharpness and composition!
Regards
Ena

nimou (3171)
[2007-11-10 13:35]

Very nice composition. Very good lighting.
Gorgeous and vibrant colors.
Regards Alexei

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