August Monarch
The 9th monarch I've released this year, most were males! Had a photoshoot with him this morning.
The 9th monarch I've released this year, most were males! Had a photoshoot with him this morning.
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Aug, 2018Views
523
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Awards
Fall Award 2020
Absolute Masterpiece
Superb Composition
Top Choice
Outstanding Creativity
Peer Award
Magnificent Capture
Superior Skill
Emotions
Impressed
Happy
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Top 10 rankTop 10 rank week 1
Top 20 rank
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Categories
Same photographer See allBehind The Lens
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Behind The Lens
Location
The photo was taken in one of my mother's flowerbeds, which is filled with black-eyed Susans. Her property is located in a nice Ohio neighborhood.Time
This photo was taken in the early to mid-afternoon, if I remember correctly. I raise monarchs every summer as a hobby and they usually hatch from their chrysalis in the morning. I then release them that afternoon. I like to record the number I raise and release each year, and take photos when I can. Some are not quite ready to fly yet, so I often perch them on flowering plants to let their wings dry in the sun. This makes for a perfect photo opportunity!Lighting
I wanted the lighting to look as natural as possible with minimal shadow.Equipment
This photo was shot with a Nikon D5300, 18-55mm lens on macro setting. I edited this photo in Adobe Lightroom.Inspiration
The butterfly itself inspired me to take this photo. The monarch butterfly population has seen a rapid and alarming rate of decline, just like many other important pollinators. I take these photos and document my butterflies to try to raise awareness about the importance of them and of growing milkweed. They are beautiful and important to me and to our planet.Editing
No, I did not.In my camera bag
My Nikon D5300, my 18-55mm lens, my 70-300mm lens, cleaning supplies, a small tripod, and filters (although I've yet to use the filters).Feedback
Not everyone has the time or ability to raise monarchs, which makes it incredibly easy for me to photograph them since I am able to handle them. This definitely gives me an advantage. However, planting milkweed and flowering plants like zinnia is your best bet to entice them into your yard. The more we plant milkweed, the more monarchs we will have! Help us save the monarchs!
