Red Spotted Purple
I actually spotted this butterfly as I drove up my driveway near sunset. I often use flash to bring out the color in the optically active scales of this butter...
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I actually spotted this butterfly as I drove up my driveway near sunset. I often use flash to bring out the color in the optically active scales of this butterfly but for this shot the sun was my flash.
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Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Aperture f/3.5 ISO 100 Shutter 1/125 Focal Length 100/1 
Ellerbe, North Carolina, US
Jul, 2020Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
I planted blueberries in my yard and many butterflies loved to take nectar from the blooms and feed off the berries. The bush also was a favorite spot for butterflies to perch and show off their beautiful colors to attract mates. This was especially true for the red spotted purples. Their scales reflect light in an optically active way such that color is produced through a process called thin film interference. This is the same process that makes a soap bubble appear colorful. TFI is what causes the red spots and metallic luster in their wings. And to make it even more challenging to capture this process is angle dependent such that the colors change with a change in angle. This is if course what is called iridescence. You could sum up everything I said by saying red spotted purple butterflies have beautiful iridescent wings that literally glow in the sunlight. They are one of my favorite butterflies to photograph.Time
AfternoonLighting
Sunlight brings out the color in their optically active scales.Equipment
Hand held with 100 mm macro and a ring flash to enhance color. Canon 5D EOS.Inspiration
Many previous encounters with this butterfly as well as the excitement of seeing their rich colorful wings.Editing
Not much is necessary if framed correctly.In my camera bag
I carry Several macro lenses, a ring flash, and extra batteries for long shoots. I find a monopod is very helpful to minimize vibration artifact. I carry water, sun screen and deet spray to avoid ticks and chiggers.Feedback
Move slowly, take many shots. Use a monopod if your camera is heavy. Take advantage of the automatic features of your camera but keep your hand on the focus so you make sure to sharply define the eyes. Get the sun behind you. Change angles till the colors are most rich. Breath steadily and remember to enjoy the beauty you are capturing.
