Butterfly on Black-eyed Suzanne
Butterfly on Black-eyed Suzanne. I think this is a Common Buckeye.
_DSC0061
NIKON D500
Aperture f/5.6 ISO 250 Shutter 1/800 Focal Length 5000/10 
Darnestown, Maryland, US
Aug, 2019Views
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Top Shot Award 21
People's Choice in Butterflies Photo Challenge
2020 Choice Award
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Behind The Lens
Location
My wife and I make our home on a three acre parklike setting in Darnestown, Maryland in the exurbs of Washington, DC. I found this butterfly foraging the Black-eyed Susans in our organic vegetable garden on the edge of the property which backs up to a small woods.Time
I often walk our property in the late afternoon with binoculars strapped to my chest and my Nikon in hand hoping to find something interesting. Birds of various sorts usually capture my attention. This evening I was attracted to the movement of several species of butterfly cruising the garden in pursuit of nectar. I captured dozens of images, many quite pleasing. I think, this is the one I like best.Lighting
It was nearing the last hour of sunlight that bright day. The birds and insects were still active. Long transparent shadows were cast by the low angle of the light, which can be seen on the bright yellow pedals of the flower. The angle turned out to be perfect to capture the extraordinary pattern of the Buckeye butterfly. Yet, the Black-eyed Susan captured the passing light nicely.Equipment
I used a Nikon D500 and a Nikkor 200 - 500mm Zoom lens.Inspiration
Of all the butterflies in the garden that fine evening this one was the only one of its species and a rare find for me at that. I stood still and watched the lovely creatures work the flowers in awe of their dexterity of movement. Butterflies have fascinated me since youth. After 70 years of observation, I naturally awaited the proper moment. It took some time to gain a bit of trust that allowed this one to land on just the right flower at just the right angle at just the right distance.Editing
This image was captured in RAW (NEF). I used Adobe Lightroom for some light editing. Exposure was touched up a little and cropped for composition.In my camera bag
I often carry two cameras in the field, a Nikon D500 and a Nikon D750 with two lenses mounted. For my birding interests I carry a Nikkor 200 - 500mm zoom 5.6f. I often have a Nikkor 105mm micro mounted on the other. I always have a pair of Swarovsky binoculars strapped to my chest. I find tripods and monopods too clumsy. I usually hand hold. At 76 years, I am finding the zoom lens increasingly difficult to carry for long or even hold for several shots at a time. There may be a Nikkor 500mm PF in the near future.Feedback
I live by the three "P's", patience, practice and patience. If one is interested in wildlife, it is essential to know as much as possible about the habits of the object of your interest. That allows you to position yourself to wait patiently and quietly for your opportunity. Calmness of heart makes it easier to be still physically. It is my observation that most animals are not only alert and aware of movement, but also emotional atmosphere. Many seem to sense over-excitement. It is often said that animals sense fear. I think they sense far more, when it comes to human emotion. Too much "wanting the shot" seems, often to spoil the moment. I believe the best wildlife photographers are knowledgable of their quarry and light, masters of their tools, and most of all masters of their own hearts. Not much of the aforementioned is true of me, but I do know how to quiet my heart when necessary.
