Blue Morpho

© Nikki McDonald

Blue Morpho

Uploaded: July 28, 2008

Description

Winner
Like the peacock, the iridescent blue on the backs of the wings of this beautiful butterfly is not caused by pigment but rather by microscopic scales which reflect light. I filled in the black around the leaves but the butterfly itself is untouched. I photographed this magnificent specimen at the Henry Doorly Zoo.
Category: Details and Macro



Exif: F Number: 9, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 6250/1000000 seconds, Flash: did not fire, auto mode, ISO: 100,100, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 70.00 mm, Model: DSLR-A350

Comments

MELODIE C. ROBERTS July 28, 2008

Was I On The Phone with T at the Time??

NiK..This Is Beautiful!!!!
Oh My Goodness
The Color and Detail are Outstanding!!!
Bravo!! #968794

Aimee S. McMaster July 28, 2008

...wonderful capture Nikki...I love the other side of their wings as well...Aimee #6239189

Laurie Daily level-deluxe July 28, 2008

This is gorgeous, Nikki! I have never seen one of these up close and personal...striking, iridescent colors. The leaves almost look as if they are made from velvet, gorgeous lighting really showcasing this beauty! #6239201

Joy Rector July 28, 2008

gorgeous #6239248

Dominick M. Dimacale level-addict July 28, 2008

Nikki, this is absolutely beautiful.


Dominick #6239275

Arlene Krassner July 28, 2008

Stunning color! #6239362

Ken Smith level-classic July 28, 2008

Perfect, Nikki...I think we'll see this one again..excellent lighting and effects! #6239424

JO ANN CLEVELAND July 28, 2008

Ohhh Nikki! I have never seen one like this! I love it! Beautiful colors and comp!

jo ann c. #6239692

Kitty R. Rodehorst-Hanna July 28, 2008

Incredibly magnificent, Nikki!!!!!! Exquisite in every way!!!!! ♫ k #6239976

Randy A. Myers July 28, 2008

Stunning detail and color. An excellent image and nice post work to make it stand out. #6240334

July 28, 2008

Beautiful capture Nikki. The blues are spectacular. Fantastic lighting and details. #6240442

Dr. Harmeet Singh July 28, 2008

Awesome capture.. #6241578

Melissa A. McDonald July 28, 2008

Fantastic capture! Love the colors and detail. #6241606

KARU WIJESUNDARA. A.N.P.A.S. July 28, 2008

NIKKI...REALLY IT'S A FANTASTIC IMAGE.
I AM VERY INTERESTED WITH THIS IMAGE
KARU. #6241944

Donna La Mattino Pagakis July 28, 2008

This is one of the most beautiful butterfly captures I have ever seen Nikki!!! Gorgeous! #6242051

David Phalen July 28, 2008

Spectacular light, colors, details and presentation!! #6242065

Patrick Rouzes level-classic July 28, 2008

Spectacular colors, detail, lighting, clarity, b/g, & presentation!!! Exceptional & beautiful work here,Nikki!!! AMAZING!!! #6242158

William C. Raco level-classic July 28, 2008

I love the iridescent blue, excellent light and fine detail
Nicely taken, Nikki #6242428

Katarina Mansson July 29, 2008

OMG this is PERFECT Nikki! Light, colors, composition and detail are...winners! #6244837

Jean E. Hildebrant July 29, 2008

I just LOVE the iridescent blue! Gorgeous, Nikki! #6244871

Susan M. Campbell July 29, 2008

Ooooooo...such a beautiful butterfly. I'v never seen a blue one. Terrific capture. #6245899

Corinne M. Thompson July 29, 2008

Nikki, this is a truly fabulous capture! #6246605

Colleen Farrell July 29, 2008

Absolutely stunning macro, Nikki! What fabulous color and detail! #6246940

Derrald R. Farnsworth-Livingston July 30, 2008

Nikki, wow, the colors are excellent! #6249790

Tamara K. Walker level-classic July 30, 2008

Wow, Awesome light. I might have to give the butterfly house another try. #6251361

MELODIE C. ROBERTS August 07, 2008

Magnficent!!
Maybe T should leave her phone at home next time #6284548

Nikki McDonald level-classic August 07, 2008

We didn't go to the zoo that day--just to the gardens. I took this on a trip to the butterfly pavilion with my husband. Thanks, though. #6284570

Karen Celella August 07, 2008

Ohhhh Nikki, this is beautiful!! I have seen these so many times but have never been able to catch one still with it's wings open. Great capture and the black BG really sets it off. #6284717

Linda D. Lester level-classic August 21, 2008

WTG!!! Congratulations! #6343578

Jessica Jenney August 21, 2008

Congratulations, Nikki on your beautiful finalist! #6343874

Sherry L. Davis August 21, 2008

Congratulations Nikki! This is gorgeous! WTG my friend!!! :) #6343935

Nadya Johnson August 21, 2008

Congratulations on your wonderful finalist, Nikki! #6344007

Jean E. Hildebrant August 21, 2008

Just Lovely, Nikki! Congrat's again!!! #6344433

Judy V. Kennamer level-classic August 21, 2008

WOWIE!!!!! Amazing capture Nikki! Congrats Girl! #6344535

Nancy (Peaches) Harker August 21, 2008

WHOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOO
HUGE Congrats and best of luck in the next round! #6344615

Susan Fox August 21, 2008

Beautiful! Congrats Nikki! #6345184

Deb Koskovich August 21, 2008

I've always loved this one, Nikki -- big congrats! #6345478

Kitty R. Rodehorst-Hanna August 21, 2008

And ANOTHER WOOHOO... Congratulations on your finalist, Nikki!!!!! #6346045

Anna Diederich August 21, 2008

Congratulations Nikki! #6346231

Susan M. Hembree August 21, 2008

Beautiful, Nikki! Congratulations on the finalist! #6346438

Stephanie Frey August 21, 2008

Congratulations on another well-Finalist, Nikki! #6346529

Amanda Chapman August 21, 2008

Soooooooooooooo beautiful!!!!

Congrats on the finalist!!! #6346715

Melissa G. Meiselman August 21, 2008

Congratulations on this stunning finalist, Nikki!!! #6347025

Amalia Sylvia Arriaga Salinas level-classic August 21, 2008

Big Congratulations Nikki!,
Amalia #6347456

Ken Smith level-classic August 21, 2008

I remember this shot...congrats again, Nikki! #6347499

Kristy A. Keene August 21, 2008

Congrats on your Finalist!!! #6347814

Jean-Pierre Ducondi August 21, 2008

Congratulations on your finalist Nikki. This is gorgeous.
JP #6347853

Donna La Mattino Pagakis August 21, 2008

Congratulations Nikki, awesome work! #6347924

Christine Czernin level-classic August 22, 2008

Big congratulation on your 3 finalists, Nikki- this one is an absolute favorite of mine. The color is unreal.
I think I have to visit the Butterfly House in Vienna, LOL. #6348257

Katarina Mansson August 22, 2008

I knew it, I knew it; this is perfectionism and beauty combined! Congratulations Nikki! #6348781

Les Rhoades level-classic August 22, 2008

Congrats on your bright and shiny FINALIST! #6348828

MELODIE C. ROBERTS August 22, 2008

Morning NiK!!
WoW Congratulatios Young Lady!! #6348900

Dr Silly level-classic August 22, 2008

Congrats Nikki on your finalist. :O)
#6349642

Mitzie Loland August 22, 2008

Congratulations on your finalist Nikki!! #6349692

Amy M. Wilson August 22, 2008

Congratulations on your beautiful finalist, Nikki! #6349982

Daniella Puente August 22, 2008

Big congrats on this beauty Nikki :)))) #6350017

Susan M. Campbell August 22, 2008

Way to go Nikki...congrats! #6350077

Elida Gutierrez level-classic August 22, 2008

Congratulations on your Finalist.


#6350662

Sylvia Rossler August 22, 2008

Big congrats on another fantastic finalist Nikki :o) #6351020

Shelly A. Van Camp level-classic August 22, 2008

Congrats on all your beautiful finalists! #6351152

frank w. degenhardt August 22, 2008

Congratulations on making it to the finals. Good luck in the next round. A well deserved win. #6351283

Mike Clime August 22, 2008

Congratulations on your finalist! #6351859

Laurie Daily level-deluxe August 22, 2008

This is such a beauty, Nikki, a big congratulations on your wonderful finalist! #6352010

August 22, 2008

This is beautiful Nikki. Congradulations on the Finalist. #6352177

Patrick Rouzes level-classic August 22, 2008

Nikki, congratulations on this amazing finalist!!! #6353007

Mitch Spence level-classic August 23, 2008

Congratulations times four, Nikki. #6355842

Colleen Farrell August 23, 2008

WTG, Nikki!! Congratulations on another well-deserved finalist! #6356884

Cyn Valentine August 23, 2008

Congratulations Nikki!! #6356886

Dianna Hauf August 23, 2008

My absolute FAVORITE butterfly in the world Nikki! You are on a major roll and I am sooooo proud and happy for you! This is an exsquisite capture and very cool you let others know about the reasoning behind their color! :) Great to darken the bg making the blue POP even more beautiful than it already is! ALL the very best as I do predict WINNERS here! Congratulations dear one! #6357088

Dominick M. Dimacale level-addict August 25, 2008

Congratulations Nikki on your Win.


Dominick #6364586

Kristy A. Keene August 25, 2008

Congrats, Nikki!!!!!!!! #6364836

Anna Diederich August 25, 2008

Congratulations on your beautiful winner, Nikki! #6364867

Kara L. Hendricks August 25, 2008

Go Nikki!!! Go Nikki!!!!!!!

WOOHOOO!!!!!!!! Congrats!!! #6365072

Agnes Fegan level-deluxe August 25, 2008

Congratulations Nikki !!! #6365187

David Phalen August 25, 2008

WTG Nikki!!!!!!!!! BIG Congrats on a spectacular Winner!! #6365289

Mike D. Perez level-deluxe August 25, 2008

Congratulations on your beautiful Winner, Nikki! #6365314

Daniella Puente August 25, 2008

Big congrats and hugs for this wonderful winner Nikki!!!! #6365325

Christine Czernin level-classic August 25, 2008

Huge Congratulation Nikki. A well deserved winner. It IS a Beauty!!!!! #6365328

MELODIE C. ROBERTS August 25, 2008

WooooooooooooHoooooooooooooo!!!!!

Excellent for you!!!!!!!!!

Congratulations NiK!! #6365364

Sylvia Rossler August 25, 2008

Big congrats on your beautiful winner Nikki :O) #6365455

Stephanie Frey August 25, 2008

Big congrats on your beautiful win, Nikki! #6365528

Shelly A. Van Camp level-classic August 25, 2008

Congrats Nikki!!! #6365737

Kitty R. Rodehorst-Hanna August 25, 2008

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!

Huge congratulation on your win, Nikki!!!!! ♫ k #6365912

Carolyn M. Fletcher level-classic August 25, 2008

Congrats!!! Love it! #6365931

Linda D. Lester level-classic August 25, 2008

Awesome....Congratulations on your win!!! #6366110

Colleen Farrell August 25, 2008

WTG, Nikki! Congratulations on your win!! #6366140

Mike Clime August 25, 2008

WTG! Congratulations on this winner, Nikki! #6366208

Jeana Clark August 25, 2008


Fan~Tab~U~Lous WINNER NIK!!!!
CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU!!!!!

~J~ #6366330

Sandy Hawkins August 25, 2008

Congratulations on this beautiful winning image, Nikki! #6366408

Ken Smith level-classic August 25, 2008

Way to go, Nikki. Awesome and congrats to you! #6366456

Elida Gutierrez level-classic August 25, 2008

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

 "The Fairy Trophy"

A Special Trophy for

"July Winners"

#6366602

Donna La Mattino Pagakis August 25, 2008

I'm so happy to see this in the winner's circle Nikki!! Congratulations on your win! As I said before, it's one of the best butterfly images I have ever seen. A fav! #6366722

Nadya Johnson August 25, 2008

Congratulations on your beautiful winner, Nikki! #6366756

Jessica Jenney August 25, 2008

Congratulations, Nikki on your gorgeous win! #6366910

Susan M. Hembree August 25, 2008

Hey Nikki! WTG! Congratulations on this well deserved win! #6366921

Pat Gamwell August 25, 2008

Breathtaking beauty..a TRUE WINNER, Nikki! #6367146

Susan Fox August 25, 2008

Congrats on your win Nikki! #6367151

Lisa J. Boulden level-classic August 25, 2008

WTG, Nikki!!!
Love the irridescence.
Outstanding winner!
~Lisa♥ #6367211

Murry Grigsby August 25, 2008

Congrats on your super image and win Nikki!! #6367309

KARU WIJESUNDARA. A.N.P.A.S. August 25, 2008

MY CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR WIN.!!!

KARU. #6367530

William C. Raco level-classic August 25, 2008

Wonderful work, Nikki
Congratulations! #6367638

Sam Britt August 25, 2008

Congratulations on this Second Place Winner, Nikki! #6367649

Kathy L. Clark August 25, 2008

Congrats Nikki on your gorgeous winner. #6367760

Nikki McDonald level-classic August 25, 2008

Thank you so much, everyone, for your support and congratulations. This was a lucky capture, I must say, as butterflies usually close their wings when they are resting. It was great to catch one with the wings spread to show off the magnificent iridescence of the inner wings. I'm pretty crazy about this myself :) Congratulations to all the other finalists and winners. There are so many really amazing images out there! #6367897

Jean-Pierre Ducondi August 25, 2008

Congratulations Nikki - This image was a winner from the start - Gorgeous work.
JP #6368108

frank w. degenhardt August 25, 2008

Nikk- Way to go girl. An incredible work with this beautiful butterfly that deseves the gold. Am so happy you got to bring it home. Congratulations. Way to go. #6368397

A P August 25, 2008

Beautiful Nikki. Well deserved Win, congratulations #6368583

Mary K. Robison August 26, 2008

Brilliant capture, Nikki ~
Congratulations on your well-earned win!
#6369088

Laurie Daily level-deluxe August 26, 2008

Congratulations, Nikki, on your fabulous winner!!! This has got to be one of the most beautiful butterfly images I have seen and I am thrilled to see it once again in the winner's circle!!! #6369464

Katarina Mansson August 26, 2008

I knew it was a winner! Big congratulations Nikki! #6369486

Candice C. Calhoun level-deluxe August 26, 2008

Congratulations, Nikki!

ccc #6369681

Usman M. Bajwa level-classic August 26, 2008

Congrats. Nikki on this stunning capture. #6370867

Erin Appelbaum August 26, 2008

Absolutely gorgeous winner Nikki. Congrats. Peter #6371414

Colette M. Metcalf August 26, 2008

Congrats!! #6372869

Nemil B. Chabebe August 26, 2008

Congratulations! #6373708

Wally Orlowsky August 27, 2008

Congratulations on this super winner, Nikki! #6374892

Ross Throndson August 27, 2008

A Brilliant capture, Nikki.....Congratulations on this Very Beautiful Winner!! :-) #6375954

Susan M. Campbell August 27, 2008

Way to go Nikki. A well deserved winner!! #6376813

Datha Y. Thompson August 27, 2008

Congratulations Nikki on this Beautiful Winner!!! WOW WTG :0) #6377746

Ron Roberts August 28, 2008

CONGRATS NIKKI I SEE YOU HAVE BEEN SCOOPING UP THE WINS OF LATE GREAT WORK...RON... #6379873

Luigi Di Serio level-classic October 07, 2008

wow #6564479

Susan M. Hembree November 04, 2008

I missed this one last summer, Nikki--I think it was when I was on vacation and had no Internet. Wow, just beautiful! A big belated congratulations for the 2nd place win; so deserving! #6708869

Boyd L. Alexander March 12, 2009

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
This is truly exceptional! Stunningly beautiful Eugenio, excellent job,....well done. #7275508

Amanda D. Austwick level-classic August 15, 2009

WOW Nikki, What a beautiful photo. I love the color of the butterfly. CONGRATULATIONS on your Second Place Win!!! #7850880

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