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Polyura Athamas by Nirupam Roy

In the lush surroundings of Chilabata Forest, the photographer encountered the elusive Common Nawab butterfly, Polyura Athamas. Inspired by Rabindranath Tagore’s reflection on the fleeting nature of time, the photographer captured this delicate subject with patience and precision. By utilizing a long focal length, the image isolates the butterfly against a soft, natural backdrop, highlighting its intricate patterns and graceful form. This photograph is award-worthy for its ability to transform a brief, quiet moment in the wild into a timeless study of natural beauty, demonstrating a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for the small wonders of the forest.

Polyura Athamas by Nirupam Roy
Nikon D7000 with Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR
Exposure 1/25sec @ f/5.6 | ISO 100 | Focal Length 220mm
Copyright Β© Nirupam Roy
Light & Composition Photo of the Day

Nirupam Roy

REGISTERED PHOTOGRAPHER

Hailing from the town of Tufanganj in West Bengal, India, Nirupam Roy balances his professional life as a school teacher with a profound dedication to photography. His creative journey began during a family trip to Orissa, where a desire to document scenic landscapes and his son’s growth ignited a lasting passion for the craft. Since transitioning to DSLR photography, Roy has developed a unique perspective that seeks to find beauty in the common aspects of society and nature, viewing his artistic practice as a meditative pursuit that brings peace and clarity to his daily life.

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14.6/20
RESONANCE
SCORE
442/500
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SUBMISSION
Award Reach | Reviews
18,353 views | 3 Reviews
Award Winner Photo of the Day
Award Date October 27, 2013
62.0
AWARD SCORE
Value 12.0
Clarity 12.0
Composition 16.0
Style 11.0
Skill 11.0
Photograph Location
Mendabari, Chilapabata Forest, Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, India

AWARD SEGMENT | TAGS

Close-Up Photography
Nirupam Roy Photography

Resonance Score Breakdown

Transparency in Award Scoring

Transparency Note: The resonance score (14.4/20) is calculated based on social engagement metrics collected before the award announcement.

Social Shares
5.0/5 points
1,586/1,000 Social Share
Page Views
5.0/5 points
18,353/2,500 Page View
Reviews
0.0/5 points
0/100 Review
Submissions
4.4/5 points
442/500 Submission
Jury Score: 62.0/80
Resonance Score: 14.4/20
Total Award Score: 76.4/100

Expert Photography Reviews · 3

Lena Brandstrom Macro Photography, Optics & the Science of the Seen Expert Review
At 220mm, the focal plane is razor-thin, barely containing the Nawab’s wing scales. Roy’s f/5.6 aperture keeps diffraction at bay, allowing the lens to resolve structural iridescence that our eyes simply miss. It’s a delicate dance of light through glass. I’m genuinely moved by how the bokeh renders the forest into soft, painterly light-wells. It doesn’t just capture a butterfly; it resolves the very physics of a fleeting, quiet existence. It’s simply exquisite.
Eleanor Voss Composition & Visual Structure Expert Review
The frame’s geometry relies on the diagonal axis of the wing, creating a necessary tension against the blurred foliage. It’s a precarious balance. The negative space doesn't quite anchor the subject, leaving the butterfly drifting in a shallow depth of field. I’ve grown weary of such soft backgrounds, yet the sharp focus on the thorax provides a cold, structural relief. It’s technically sound, though the composition lacks the final, brutal weight required for true permanence.
James Rokeby Camera Craft & Technical Execution Expert Review
1/25sec at f/5.6, 220mm. It’s a reckless gamble. At that focal length, the shutter speed is far too slow for a handheld macro shot. I’ve spent years calculating vibration, and frankly, the micro-blur here is infuriating. The depth of field is razor-thin, yet the motion blur ruins the sharpness I crave. It’s technically sloppy. I wanted to admire the Nawab’s wings, but the physics simply don't support the photographer's ambition. A tripod was mandatory.
Reflections on this Photograph
By Priya Kapoor

The Weight of a Wingbeat

There is a specific humidity that clings to the skin in the deep woods, a damp, velvet heaviness that smells of crushed moss and wet bark. It is a scent that settles in the back of the throat, thick and ancient.

Read the reflection →
By Isabelle Park

The Weight of a Wing

I was walking through the park this morning when I stopped to watch a butterfly resting on a patch of clover. It didn't seem to care that I was standing there, or that the wind was picking up, threatening to pull it away.

Read the reflection →

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