White Butterfly

I was very lucky to take this picture last fall of a butterfly. This

type never seems to sit still, but this one did long enough for me to

duck in fast and take this shot. I would like to know what you

like/dislike about this picture. What could have made it better? I

would like to take more pictures of butterflies in the future, so any

advice on their habits would be appreciated.

This is a good one! Not much room for improvement. The only way it might improve is with a little more crispness. Maybe a slightly faster film to increase depth of field but I really like it the way it is. I give it 7's. Outstanding job.

A fairly good picture. What you might want to do

if you're intent on getting good at taking pictures of butterflys is to see if any of your local zoos have butterfly exhibits. Usually they

have large enclosed areas filled with thousands of

various butterflys. Since they are enclosed areas,

try to go midday, as this is when the light will

be the brightest.

You did a good job with what you used.

 

Butterflies are a pain. They are skittish and move fast (as you have noticed). For one thing, you need a longer lens so you don't have to get so close to them. Secondly, the DOF with macro shots can practically be measured in atoms, which is why you need to be at f8+, which is still not good enough if the subject is not at a fairly flat position relative to your lens.

 

I have a Nikon 70-180 macro zoom. At 180 I can sometimes get close enough without scaring it off. It still takes a lot of patience.

 

A fast shutter speed is needed since a macro shot is like using a 200+ telephoto, if not worse. I doubt you would have the time to use a tripod. I used a monopod or just hand held it.

 

You can also use a flash or reflector to increase the light to allow for a faster shutter speed and smaller aperture (as if they would sit still as you moved a reflector around!).

 

 

DOF is a matter of taste. The important thing is that you got the eyes and base of the antennae sharp. It's tough to do that consistently. I think the next step up the quality ladder would be a 100mm macro lens, and a 1.5x TC. That would give you better balance of magnification and working room. At least try some ISO 200 if not 400 film.

Butterflies can only see you when you move, or so it seems. Stand still with the camera up to your nose, and keep both eyes open. Soon they will ignore you. Patience.