photos and butterflies..

[Naturenutz]

I would go on a day with mixed cloud and sunshine.And start early. You may not see many butterflies to start with but when they do start to show they tend to be less flighty. I went out on a hot sunny day a few weeks back (yes we had a hot sunny day ) and the butterflies never seemed to settle all day.I got far more photos on the partly cloudy morning.move very very slow ,watch your shadow and no sudden movements,dont bother with a tripod unless your prepared to wait forever to get that shot because by the time you have set up the flutterby will be gone.good luck

[loripo]

Just to get a bit of practice, you could visit one of the 'exotic' butterfly exhibitions - there's one at St Albans I think. Those butterflies are often raised in the closed environment and used to people, so you get a chance to take some shots and get a feel for the settings etc.

[Hedera]

All my photos are taken on "garden safari". I have chairs placed at strategic positions and sit and wait for whatever turns up, camera at the ready to switch on. The least movement you make the better as they seem to sense every twitch. I've noticed some frequent the same areas. Also I think your clothing colour makes a difference, blues and greens are best as they blend in. White is a no-no. My camera is a simple digital with macro, quiet and not too heavy.

[RobinP]

Originally Posted by loripo

Just to get a bit of practice, you could visit one of the 'exotic' butterfly exhibitions - there's one at St Albans I think.

Yes, it's called Butterfly W0rld, just off the M25 on the A405. Expensive to get in though.

[actionfinch]

Originally Posted by loripo

Just to get a bit of practice, you could visit one of the 'exotic' butterfly exhibitions - there's one at St Albans I think. Those butterflies are often raised in the closed environment and used to people, so you get a chance to take some shots and get a feel for the settings etc.

mmmm this is an idea

robinP u say its a bit £££££ ... i have never been there could be a day out with the camera . cheers again

[MartynA]

It's also worth being patient and staying still! Butterflies do tend to patrol the same territory and if you wait quietly they'll often return to the place they were before you frightened them off.

It's also worth thinking carefully about the background. If you just want a record shot, fine - but otherwise it's worth selecting one or two good spots photographically and waiting for the butterfly to oblige!

Martyn

[Kayleigh]

Try planting things they like buddleia and marjorum are favourites so is lavender I have lots of herbs that attract all sorts of insects you can grow them in pots if you don't have room..

I took a really bad video of a Red Admiral on FB I couldn't see the screen on the camera and you cant use the viewfinder in video mode that's a pain.

[MetalMoth]

You need a lot of time to get good sharp images of butterflies. It is not that difficult if you have the time to stalk them. I use a 55mm macro lens so I have to get very close to them but it is possible and worth the effort as this macro lens produces much better results than if I used a 200mm zoom lens. Also I find it easier to compose an image nicely if I am close to the subject.

I find this technique works best. Find a nice looking individual to photograph. Best to go out when they start to emerge so check flight seasons for the species you want. Then they are fresh and maybe less warm so easier to follow. Follow it till it rests and then slowly move up to it keeping low and keep your shadow off it. Maybe even lie down and crawl up.

This is easier said than done but with practice is easy to do. I have managed to get nice shots of Chalkhill blue, Silver-washed and dark green fritillary, small pearl bordered fritillary and almost all other species this year. Patience is the key really.

[galanthophile]

The photos I've taken have been right up to the butterfly with a Olympus macro lens. About a couple of inches away if possible. Sometimes frustrating but when it works it is so worth it. Keep trying and you'll get better.

[glsammy]

Originally Posted by MartynA

It's also worth being patient and staying still! Butterflies do tend to patrol the same territory and if you wait quietly they'll often return to the place they were before you frightened them off.

It's also worth thinking carefully about the background. If you just want a record shot, fine - but otherwise it's worth selecting one or two good spots photographically and waiting for the butterfly to oblige!

Martyn

Spot on! I tend to find where they are, position myself and simply wait. It may talk a few minutes but they will come back.