Shadow of a Feather

Peacock feather and Shadow, Brooklyn, 2010.

Dad and I both liked the way this shadow hit the wall at my brother's apartment in Brooklyn last Christmas. This photo probably has more meaning because I was surrounded by family when I took it. 

But even without the back story, I admire the symmetry and detail, the crispness of the form of the feather itself, the ability to make out the barbs and barbules on the feather. (Click on the image to zoom.)

I also like the lack of color in the photo, due to the intense back/sidelighting. Only a few colors can be made out at the head of the feather, where one expects a color explosion from his/her knowledge of the male peafowl's plumes.