Butterfly Garden - Butterfly on Flowers 1440x900

Wallpapers are available in | 1440*900 | Resolution

Enjoy the challenge
In recent years, butterfly watching has become a very popular nature hobby ¡ª sometimes as a side-interest for naturalists and birders. Yet watching butterflies is often enjoyed exclusively as an observational study in its own right. Photographing butterflies adds a whole other dimension to the hobby. From the challenge of working in the inadequate light of a forest to trying to keep up with a subject that doesn't stay still for very long, taking pictures of butterflies offers a unique challenge that combines patience and persistence. It is also a wonderful way to document the hobby and provide a record in which to identify species.

What photography equipment do you need?
While there is no need to spend a great deal of money on camera equipment, something with a zoom lens that can focus to a foot or less is highly desirable. Though inexpensive point-and-shoot cameras can yield good results, a 35mm camera with a telephoto lens general works best. When going on location into a forest or field, I do not like to carry a lot of bulky gear in order to retain dexterity. I use a manual 35mm SLR camera and a 210mm telephoto zoom lens, but on occasion I use a 90mm macro lens for close-up detail photographs. I prefer natural lighting, but some butterfly photographers prefer to use a flash to reduce exposure times in low light, even though the flash may render an unnaturally dark background in your pictures.

Some photographers use a tripod, but I prefer a monopod to help stabilize the camera during exposures. I try and get close to the subject, moving any obstructing grass or twigs away as gently as possible, and then plant the foot of the monopod firmly into the ground. Slowly leaning forward, I bring the butterfly into focus and start clicking off exposures to see how close I can get before the butterfly has had enough of me.

Tips for butterfly photographers
Butterflies can be found virtually anywhere, but more diverse species will be found in natural locations like forests and grassy fields with wild flowers. Often it is best to pick out a location with potential, then wait for the butterflies to come to you.

Because butterflies are intensely aware of their surroundings, one must move as cautiously and slowly as possible as not to startle them. It is also important during your approach not to cast your shadow over the butterfly as this will likely cause it to take flight. Given their innate tendency to spend only a few seconds lit at rest or feeding, many times an approach concludes to a drill. A good way to practice your technique without this worry is to cut a picture of a butterfly out of a magazine and place it on a flower. This way you can hone your exposure setting skills on a stationary subject.