Several Nature Photos

I found some photos scattered throughout my main hard drive that I took in the past. I don't know why -- perhaps for artistic purposes -- they are in black and white.

Mostly nature-themed, I think I might actually incorporate some of these photos in Asian Outlook's Conscience section in the first Spring '10 issue. There are others lying around, but these three are probably my favorite ones:


Flower Blossom

Simple and delicate. Much like many nature-themed photos I periodically take, they are direct and definitive, self-explanatory, and genuine.

I only wish I knew what kind of flower this is. It adds a fresh taste, since photos of generic tulips and roses grow boring after a while.






Mantis

When I was a kid, I was absolutely obsessed over an insect called the praying mantis. They were huge, averaging between 4 to 6 inches. If I recall correctly, this photo was taken in Taiwan, where I found a mantis that was nearly the length of my hand (around 6-7 inches).

Now that I think about it, I'm still fascinated with these badass, predatory insects...






Longhorn Beetle

Don't let it fool you, this little insect does not quite match up in size with the mantis. Also taken in Taiwan, near a Buddhist temple, the beetle probably fared no more than 2 inches in length.

Interestingly enough, since this was taken at a temple, visitors and monks alike granted this critter a safe path to the nearby gardens, where it immediately blended into the vegetation.