photos and butterflies..

[actionfinch]

since starting 'birding' i have gotton into the otherside of nature with butterflies moths etc, i was wondering if anyone had any tips on how to photograph them.
When i get close to butterflies , the fly away.
cheers

[Kayleigh]

Yes the majority do fly away but some don't and it walking in the woods I take my long lens it has a macro switch..

What equipment have you got..lol...I mean camera..

[actionfinch]

EOS 1000d canon...astandard efs 18-55mm lens and a ef 75-300mm one..
i have screw on macro lenses...

[Charlesbeams]

I usually get photos of Butterflies with a 55-200mm and the majority are fairly good for example - ***External link removed - please upload it to the image Gallery and link from there***

As for getting near them, the best thing i can think of is to keep your shadow away from them as they usually fly as soon as your shadow goes near them. Maybe approach them slowly too, but not too slowly.

[Kayleigh]

Originally Posted by actionfinch

EOS 1000d canon...astandard efs 18-55mm lens and a ef 75-300mm one..
i have screw on macro lenses...

I have a tamron 70-300mm this has a macro lens and is what I use out and about..

Have you had a look at the settings, I subscribed to a digital mag and this has helped me but its trial and error try a few shots on f4 ish and AV and see how they come out..
But try to steady your hand against something if not a tripod they really do help.

Good luck..I am sure you will get lots more advice..

[actionfinch]

cheers K ... ill give that ago , when the weather and bugs come to the garden...

[earthdragon64]

Butterflies are often hardest to photograph on hot, really sunny days when they never seem to keep still. Cloudy days are best, but there tend to be less about, especially if colder.

I find days when there is a mix of sun and cloud to be best, spot your butterfly in the sun, then when the sun is hidden by a cloud, the butterfly tends to land and is quite approachable at that point.

This works quite well for dragonflies and damselflies as well. Alternatively use a lens which means you don't need to get so close. Hubby typically uses a 70-300mm lens and gets good results.

Regards, Audrey.

[nightshade]

Originally Posted by actionfinch

cheers K ... ill give that ago , when the weather and bugs come to the garden...

You could start off in your own garden, pick a good flower or shrub that the insects are attracted to. A dab of sugar water to sip will hold them in place
(I used to use delrosa rosehip syrup) The more sheltered the area the less you will have to resort to steadying the plant with guys.
I assume by screw in macro lenses you mean meniscus lenses? in which case be aware of flare

[htcdude]

A warm cloudy day is best. They'll be resting more and you'll get no shadow.

I used to use my 75-300mm, taking most at 300mm, then I found my macro attachment which I fix to the 18-55mm. But unfortunately you do have to get quite close, and then still crop the photo

Invest in a proper macro lens if you can

Nige

[Alan Hewitt]

Morning is best, there wings are likely to be more damp and thus heavier and are less likely to flee if approached with care.