Sunbathingbutterfly
Sep, 2015Views
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Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken in my back yard in Pickerington, OH.Time
This is one of my favorite photos for many reasons. My husband (Jimmy) passed away just two months before I took this outside my new home. I was sitting on my patio mid morning, 10:30 or so. I always have my camera with me, you know, just in case. My heart was breaking and the crying from missing my Jimmy just wouldn't stop. Suddenly but gracefully this beautiful butterfly appeared fluttering in front and around me for several minutes. I stopped crying and was excited to see this, for those moments brought light. He landed on this leaf, opened his wings and soaked up the sun. I sat and watched it for a few minutes to be sure it was settled before I took the photo. I didn't want to scare him away. When I took his picture(s) it was as though he was posing for me showing his magnificent beauty.Lighting
I couldn't have created a better setting for this photo. The sun was shining, all natural morning light, not to bright, not to harsh. The sunlight was soft enough to create a beautiful setting for this flower with wings.Equipment
I bought this Sony Camera: SONY NEX-F3 when I started photography classes. Soon into my education, I learned I love to shoot macro. I used an 18 - 55 mm lens, I clicked free hand as I wanted to able to move quietly for several different angles. Tripods require time and extra movement which can disrupt foliage trying to get it the right spot. As this butterfly is a flying wonder of nature, I didn't want the hassle of moving a tripod and risk startling the butterfly to take flight. Below are the settings I used for the photo: Aperture: f/5 ISO: 200 Shutter Speed: 1/400 Focal Length: 300/10Inspiration
Most of the time I find a place sit and wait or just wonder aimlessly looking for something beautiful, unique or spontaneous. For this photo though, it is for sentimental reasons. You see, I love butterflies as I believe they are a significant example of life changes sent for us from heaven to learn from their metamorphosis . Jimmy and I always had a butterfly garden. We would collect the larva to raise them and watch their transformation into butterflies. This specific species the "Red Spotted Purple" was plentiful, at one point we had nearly 50 larvae munching on fennel. It would bring us great joy to watch and share with our family the incredible transformations of this wondrous creature, especially when released to their natural habitat. During my despair, I believe, this particular butterfly was sent to me as a reminder of the love and joy these creatures brought our family and to reassure me Jimmy is always near.Editing
While reviewing all of the photos of this butterfly, this shot was my best. It required no post processing other than a little cropping.In my camera bag
I always carry my Sony NEX-F3, three sony lenses, macro, 55 mm and 210 a table top and flexible tripod, lens cleaning cloth, a quarter to tighten/loosen camera body for tripod and a plastic bag for water protection. Also an extra sim card, charger and my camera instruction (Bible) booklet. I know this will sound different, but I always carry my fishing license and a couple snack bars.Feedback
Though I shoot all things, my passion is macro in nature. Shooting outside, nature shots or any shot for that matter, the best time of day is early morning and early evening. Especially for spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Typically, there usually is little to no wind unless weather calls for it. I try to avoid noon or later as the sun is to harsh/bright to create my subject successfully with natural light. Depending on the effect I am are trying to create, I keep my back to the sun so it shines over my shoulder onto the subject. I have found this produces the best natural light. Very rarely do I use flash as I prefer natural lighting. Patience is a must! Sometimes i will find a place to sit and wait and wait and wait. The cool thing about that is, you never know what you will see. Imagine sitting on a big rock next to a small waterfall on a nice warm sunny morning seeing butterflies, frogs, birds or some new creature you have never seen before, not only does that offer you the opportunity for a unique photo and allows your creative juices to flow, but gives you time to yourself.
