The Challenges and Joys of Butterfly Photography
/By Betty Raker
Butterfly photography is an art that requires befriending tiny creatures and finding a way to tell their stories in photos. Butterflies are spectacular. Their beautiful colors and complex designs appeal to every macro and nature photographer. Butterfly photography is about capturing life. Therefore, you should treat your subject matter with respect and care.
Tips for Taking Great Photos of Butterflies
1. Time of Day: Shoot in early morning or late afternoon for the best light. Butterflies tend to warm themselves in the sun once it rises.
2. Butterflies are shy and scare easily. You can’t always get as close as you might want. Experiment using a macro, zoom, and/or telephoto lens. Approach them slowly and quietly. Be aware of your shadow. They do not appreciate shadows.
3. Shoot wide-open, it will help you separate your butterfly subjects from the background. As in other photography, try various perspectives.
4. Follow the basic composition rules. Getting in for a tight shot can show off the fine, delicate detail of the butterfly’s wings. Composing more loosely will show the flowers or branches where the butterfly is resting.
5. Use the Rule of Thirds. Your camera may have that built in. If so, turn on the gridlines as a guide to help you frame your image and don't worry, the lines won’t show up in your final picture. Notice where the lines intersect. These points are usually the best places to position your subject. Doing so will generally result in a pleasantly balanced composition.
6. When photographing wildlife it's best to have them looking into the frame. So, leave more space on the side of the frame where the action is headed. It looks more natural that way and lets the viewer have a feel for where the subject is going.
7. Look for patterns and textures. Subjects with repetitive patterns can make for interesting photographs and most butterflies have repetitive patterns on their wings.
8. Look for non-distracting backgrounds. Greens also always work but colors at the opposite side of the color wheel can also be useful. Blue sky can provide as stunning background. White sky can also be an interesting background, and you can experiment with creating silhouettes.
9. Take lots of shots and be patient!
References:
https://www.adorama.com/alc/how-to-butterfly-photography/
