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.
Exposure 1/25sec @ f/5.6 | ISO 100 | Focal Length 220mm
Nirupam Roy
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.
Resonance Score Breakdown
Transparency Note: The resonance score (12.8/20) is calculated based on social engagement metrics collected before the award announcement.
Expert Photography Reviews · 3
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 →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 →Reviews & Comments
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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.
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.
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.