Butterfly
This butterfly was flying around on my deck so I grabbed my camera and started taking pictures.
This butterfly was flying around on my deck so I grabbed my camera and started taking pictures.
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Jul, 2013Views
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Awards
Action Award
Chatter Award
Zenith Award
Top Shot Award 22
Creative Winter Award
Fall Award 2020
Outstanding Creativity
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Absolute Masterpiece
Magnificent Capture
Exceptional Contrast
Jaw Dropping
Peer Award
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken from my deck in our back yard. We live in the country on ten acres and love nature. Therefore we have planted over 500 bushes and trees since we moved here. Our deck is surrounded by bushes and they seem to attract butterflies. I love the symmetry that is found on butterflies and since blue is my favorite color, I knew I had to capture it in a picture. I wanted the blue to pop more than the surrounding colors which is why I chose to make everything but the butterfly black & white.Time
All I remember of this day was that I was looking outside my kitchen window & saw the butterfly. I grabbed my camera & slowly & quietly moved to the deck. I waited a few seconds to make sure that I wouldn't scare it away. When it landed on the plant I started taking pictures. I think I took five different shots but this was my favorite.Lighting
The sun was behind me so it had to be mid afternoon and I didn't need or use a flash.Equipment
Nikon D 90 Nikkor 18-105 lens. When a image presents itself to you, you need to be prepared beforehand because the moment can pass rather quickly. I think this photo shot lasted 60-90 seconds. I was happy with the depth of field because the focal point is the butterfly and the one stalk that it landed on.Inspiration
Butterflies are deep and powerful representations of life and many cultures associate the butterfly with our souls. The Christian religion sees the butterfly as a symbol of resurrection. Around the world, people view the butterfly as representing endurance, change, hope, and life. As a woman of faith, I see a butterfly as a wonderful creation of God. As stated earlier, I am always in awe of their symmetry and see this as proof of a Creator.Editing
In Photoshop I grabbed the Quick Selection tool and outlined the butterfly because I wanted to highlight it. Then I choose Inverse and next convert to black & white. Some call it Color splash. I call it awesome and eye catching! I also thought the black & white went well with the blues on the butterfly.In my camera bag
I have 4 lens that I carry with me at all times. My Nikkor 18-105, 70-300mm, 50mm & 105mm. I'd rather have something and not need it then the opposite. I also carry extra batteries, a small tripod, a cloth for lens cleaning and an extra memory card. It all fits rather neatly into a special camera bag and it's not bulky either.Feedback
You can take a great picture anywhere. Just follow your heart and watch for what takes your breath away. I have been blessed to take pictures in Spain, Portugal, Italy, Morocco and Hawaii but this picture was taken on my deck in Stockbridge, Michigan. (USA) I didn't have to fly half way around the world to capture this image.
