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I found my millipede friend here, having a rest in the leaf-litter at Elkmont in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
I was nestled in the leaf-litter as well, hunting the intricate details of the world. My fixation was on plants and flowers, not critters. But I wasn’t going to pass up the opportunity to capture my round friend’s smooth exoskeleton reflecting the soft, blue spring sky above.
From a photography standpoint, I initially disliked the small twig in front of it. But all wildlife deserves respect—even millipedes—so I didn’t remove it to keep from disturbing this fabulous creature further. (It was already in its defensive posture from my arrival before I spotted it and was taking extra care to give it some space.)
So I used the twig as part of the composition. During the critique at my workshop, my pal Tom (an incredible photographer whose opinion I respect greatly) disagreed with my assessment of the twig. He actually liked it. With the benefit of time, I eventually agreed. I do think it adds some scale and anchors the image. Now I’m glad it’s there.
Cheers, friends!
Bluesky Art Show
This post is inspired by the Bluesky Art Show, a challenge to share artwork surrounding a weekly theme each Saturday.
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