Central Casting Call

Photographer's Note

Bull Thistle.... Identifying Characteristics: Spiny-winged stems and leaves with rough hairs on the upper surface and softer whitish hairs below. This weed is often confused with Musk Thistle (Carduus nutans), but the leaves of mature musk thistle plants usually lack hairs. Additionally, Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense) is a perennial from rhizomes, and young plants do not develop as a rosette, unlike bull thistle. The object of the picture is the Bull Thistle...at least that is what I started out with...I figure the ladybug saw me taking pictures and wanted to get into the front of the lens.....after all, ladybugs are so many in number around the world and it is indeed special for one individual to get noticed. This one is obviously smart and probably carries a SAG (Screen Actors Guild) card. At best he is an "extra" and even that job pays good in Hollywood. Now if we take a philosophical approach to this shot, we must think this ladybug is saying something. For no good part comes without lines...and honestly looking again and again at it....the poor bug is obviously doubled as a "stunt-bug" and risks life and limb in sitting on top of these thorny floral starts. No wonder it crawled around so much...and here I thought it was acting a bit overmuch for the part. I would give this bug union rates though...and perhaps it will be a star someday. Who can top an actor with such class...or my cinema photography. We should both be nominated certainly for Academy Awards yes? "I thank my mother and father and the director of this picture....and of course to you, the people who watch".....so I go to the awards party now? See you afterwards on TV. Bye!

• Reviews
   
• Bonjour Bob,
  Superbe photographie de cette coccinelle très agile. Belle réalisation. Félicitations.
  Cordialement
  Joël
• A beautiful picture! The Bull Thistle is wonderful with beautiful colors and sharp details. But the ladybug might have stolen the scene. It is so perfect and sharp settled there. Wonderful composition.
• I hope your charming ladybug had better fortune, because in Italy to meet her means good luck! I would to help her... a wonderful shot.
  Je te souhaite une bonne journée, salut.
  Violetta
• Earlier I wrote that your picture and note is a harmonious duet of picture and story. In this picture you positioned the little actor(?)as a third character to project the dramatic view of bull thistle.And the scene is superb.
• Hi Bob.
  Very beautiful. The Thistle's are just coming into bloom here too. I'm waiting for them to mature. I think they're beautiful. What a great capture. So sharp and great colour. And your little lady bug is a real winner. Very well done.