Tiger Swallowtail on Vitex #2

Unlike the first shot, which, to me, emphasized the fragility of the

butterfly by showing its translucence, in this one the butterfly is

fully in focus. Is this the stronger shot? All comments and

suggestions appreciated.

The yellow butterfly against the blue backround flowers is effective. I like it.

Much stronger than the one your showed before.

I really like the way you framed the butterfly with the three twigs. The color contrast and palette is also very attractive and balanced.

The only little thing I'd change is to remove the little branch you see at the bottom left. It distracts a bit from otherwise perfect composition.

BTW: Great use of the rule of thirds! :-)

 

Much stronger image than the last one, although the last was good too! But this one, it's sharpness, adds more to it! Well done, thanks for sharing!

I also like this shot better than the last one. The three branches of inflorescence are nicely balanced as Gerard pointed out. The image is also sharper. Minor, but I find the left bottom corner and the bottom below the main inflorescence a little distracting. I feel the image is better with it that cropped out. I'm including my cropped version.

Yep... I agree too .... this is the stronger image, and I like it a whole lot!!!! I like the framing of the swallowtail, and I would have little comment.... perhaps if I had my druthers, the branch in the upper right corner would also be in soft-focus and the little branch in the lower left corner would be removed, but that's really nitpicking at a very, very nice image... good job!

Thanks for taking time to compare the two shots, and for the helpful suggestions.

I like it- it has a lovely dreamy quality and vivid color. The backlighting works, and the bright areas below the butterfly aren't too distracting. I'd like it sharper, though- perhaps just a matter of USM.

 

I think the image would be stronger if the frame were only the main diagonal spike and the butterfly, cropped about 60% from the top left corner.

This shot of the butterfly and flower is very well balanced with contribution from both elements. I like this image because the harsh bokeh of #1 is reduced to acceptable level.

 

Also, I like the feeling and depth of the image. Well done1

Thanks for the kind comments!

Pleasing image, definitely the better one of the two.