Butterfly stalking - a few pics

[turkeyneck]

Hey thanks vic, that is comprehensive sound advice. Yes cloudy days are better as are windy, rainy days for the dragonflies. The only problem this causes is apart from the rain and the light is movement caused by the wind to whatever the dragonfly is gripping on to
I think both dragonfly and butterfly photography and practice is comming to a very fast approaching end for this year, feels that way at least.

[Naturenutz]

I agree with you turkeyneck,its the autumn of the insect year . I have had very little sightings of dragonflies this year.I have not gone out of my way to find them but in previous years i usually stumble across them around woodland/fields etc.ive not seen a southern hawker yet,last year 4 hatched from my garden pond.

[Monkey Orchid]

Re DSLR/non-DSLR cameras, I happen to own both - but my DSLR only has one lens so I often take out the Pentax with me because its macro setting is pretty good and frankly it's a lot easier to carry around. Maybe at some point in the future (when I have (a) the money and (b) more time) I'll invest in some more lenses for my Canon DSLR, but in the meantime I'm making the most of the Pentax.

With the stalking tips, Vic's pretty much covered it! I'll add mine below, though.

- It's easier to photograph butterflies etc on cooler, still, overcast days than warm, sunny or breezy ones.
- Get to know your site or take someone with you who knows it. You can waste a lot of time hunting for stuff if you don't know where a particular species is likely to be hanging out. Look for sheltered spots, nectar sources, larval foodplants etc.
- Approach your subject head-on if possible, as your movement is less obvious.
- When approaching or changing position to get a better shot, move much more slowly than you think you need to. Think Sam Peckinah movies.
- Start taking photos from further away, rather than waiting until you're in your 'ideal' close position. Worst case scenario, you'll have to delete some unwanted shots.
- Watch out where you're kneeling/lying whilst you're absorbed in looking through your camera lens. Brambles or dog poo are somewhat abundant in some parts of the countryside.
- If the butterfly/insect is disturbed and flies away, watch where it goes. If it settles again close by, consider moving (slowly) after it. If not, wait for a few minutes - maybe it will come back to the same area and settle again near you.
- Enjoy taking a photograph of a common species as much as capturing a shot of a rarer one.
- If you don't manage to get any pics of your chosen subjects, why not photograph some plants or landscape views. It's better to go home with a couple of photos you're pleased with, than feeling like it's been a failed mission.

Thanks again to all for your positive feedback on my pics!

[Naturenutz]

Some more exellent advice monkey orchid.

[turkeyneck]

yes thanks monkey orchid.........I can't wait til summer now