A fly on a Flower by Lothar Seifert

In this striking macro study, Lothar Seifert captures the intricate details of a tiny fly perched upon a purple thistle. By utilizing high magnification, the photographer reveals the hidden complexity of subjects often overlooked by the human eye, from the delicate pollen and stamen of the flower to the multifaceted texture of the insect's eye. This image serves as a poignant reminder of nature's inherent beauty, transforming a common, often unappreciated scene into a compelling visual narrative that highlights the elegance found in the smallest corners of the natural world.

A fly on a Flower by Lothar Seifert
Nikon D5000 with Nikon AF-S DX Micro-NIKKOR 85mm f/3.5G ED VR
Exposure 1/200sec @ f/10 | ISO 400 | Focal Length 90mm
Copyright Β© Lothar Seifert
Light & Composition Photo of the Day

Lothar Seifert

REGISTERED PHOTOGRAPHER

Born in Germany in 1955, Lothar Seifert resides in a small village in Upper Lusatia, where he balances his career as a design engineer with a deep passion for photography. His work is heavily influenced by his extensive travels through Asia, particularly his humanitarian efforts and cultural engagements in Nepal, Kashmir, and India. Through his lens, Seifert seeks to document both the human condition and the intricate details of the natural world, using his macro photography and conservation-focused projects to foster a greater understanding and appreciation for the environment.

Profile View Full Profile
11.6/20
RESONANCE
SCORE
143/500
SHARE
SUBMISSION
Award Reach | Reviews
16,446 views | 4 Reviews
Award Winner Photo of the Day
Award Date November 12, 2013
70.0
AWARD SCORE
Value 13.0
Clarity 13.0
Composition 18.0
Style 13.0
Skill 13.0
Photograph Location
Lusatia, Saxony, Germany

AWARD SEGMENT | TAGS

Close-Up Photography
Lothar Seifert Photography

Resonance Score Breakdown

Transparency in Award Scoring

Transparency Note: The resonance score (11.4/20) is calculated based on social engagement metrics collected before the award announcement.

Social Shares
5.0/5 points
1,846/1,000 Social Share
Page Views
5.0/5 points
16,446/2,500 Page View
Reviews
0.0/5 points
0/100 Review
Submissions
1.4/5 points
143/500 Submission
Jury Score: 70.0/80
Resonance Score: 11.4/20
Total Award Score: 81.4/100

Expert Photography Reviews · 4

Dmitri Kasakov Contrast, Shadow Drama & the Metaphysics of Light Expert Review
Macro photography usually feels like a clinical dissection, yet here, the shadows beneath the thistle’s petals hold a genuine, suffocating weight. Seifert hasn't just captured a fly; he’s trapped it in a void where the insect’s multifaceted eye stares back at its own insignificance. I’ve felt that same cold dread when looking into the abyss of a garden. It’s not beautiful. It’s a reminder that even the smallest life is eventually consumed by the dark.
Sophie Delacroix Emotional Narrative, Viewer Response & Psychological Impact Expert Review
Before the eye identifies the fly, a sudden stillness takes hold. The thistle’s violet spikes prick at my own peripheral vision, triggering a strange, somatic alertness. It’s the multifaceted eye of the insect that haunts me; I feel watched by something so small it shouldn't possess a gaze. When I return to this, I’m struck by the weight of that tiny existence. It’s a quiet, unsettling reminder that we’re never truly alone in the garden.
Clara Whitfield Award Criteria, Legacy & What Makes an Image Endure Expert Review
Macro photography is often just a technical exercise, but this piece avoids that trap. Of the thousands of insect shots I’ve reviewed, most are sterile. Here, the sharp focus on the fly’s multifaceted eye against the chaotic, soft purple of the thistle creates a genuine tension. It’s a small, quiet world, yet it feels monumental. I’ll admit, looking at it makes me hold my breath. It’s the kind of detail that’ll still feel vital in thirty years.
Thomas Hargreaves Earned Photographs, Craft Discipline & the Long Wait Expert Review
Macro work is a test of one’s spine. Most wouldn't bother with the thistle, let alone the fly. I’ve spent enough mornings shivering in the dew to know that focus at f/10 isn't luck; it’s a stubborn refusal to move until the wind dies. The detail in that compound eye is sharp enough to draw blood. It’s a quiet, cold sort of triumph. I’d have liked to see the photographer’s knees after this one.
Reflections on this Photograph
By Margaret Holt

The Architecture of the Small

We often speak of the world as if it were a grand, singular stage, forgetting that the true theater of existence is played out in the margins. To look closely at a patch of weeds is to realize that we are merely guests in a kingdom of intricate, silent industry.

Read the reflection →
By Rashid Noor

The Weight of the Small

Why do we assume that significance is measured by scale? We walk through the world with our eyes fixed on the horizon, convinced that the monumental is the only thing worthy of our attention.

Read the reflection →

Reviews & Comments

Share your thoughts about this award-winning photograph. Your reviews contribute to the community engagement score.

4 replies

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The Architecture of SilenceSharjah, by Joy Dasgupta - Night Photography, Photography Awards, Photo of the Day, Sharjah, Art PhotographySafari, by Ryszard Wierzbicki - Safari Photography, Travel Photography, Award Winning Photography, Photo of the Day, Serengeti National ParkThe Dust of Elsewhere