photo sharing and upload picture albums photo forums search pictures popular photos photography help login
reflectionsofnature | all galleries >> Butterflies & Moths >> Swallowtails (Papillionidae) > Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)
previous | next
18-AUG-2010

Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)

It was a magnificently comfortable morning with no humidity and temperatures in the low 20s, weather conditions that have been very rare this summer, unfortunately, if you are like me and can't stand the heat. I first encountered this Black Swallowtail basking in the sun. My first attempt to get a photo was unsuccessful because the butterfly flushed just as I was raising my camera and about to press the button. But the butterfly took another perch nearby so I tried again. Well, my second attempt flushed the butterfly too! I was able to get close enough to the butterfly for a photo in both cases but the action of raising my camera was what caused the butterfly to flush. On my third attempt I raised my camera before approaching and with my camera raised I tiptoed into range. I also held my breath the last few steps too. That always helps! This time I got the photo and retreated, still with my camera raised, without flushing the butterfly.

Canon EOS 40D ,Canon EF 70-200 mm f/4L IS USM
1/200s f/7.1 at 191.0mm iso400 full exif

other sizes: small medium original auto
share
larose forest photos21-Aug-2010 03:47
Excellent shot of this beauty. It is true, they are notoriously difficult to photograph.
Ghislaine et Réal Boulet19-Aug-2010 18:48
Beautiful shot.
Guest 19-Aug-2010 06:48
Well worth the effort Chris.. beautiful capture. Love the patterns. V
Carol Rollins19-Aug-2010 04:56
Your patience and technique certainly paid off, Chris. This is beautiful! ~
Robert Houde19-Aug-2010 00:12
Very well done with great colors. v.
Hank Vander Velde18-Aug-2010 23:54
Beautiful capture of this pretty Butterfly Chris.
Guest 18-Aug-2010 22:40
Wonderful capture, nice pose, detail and color
Jim Coffman18-Aug-2010 21:46
Ohhh, what a beauty,Chris! Nice capture.
Type your message and click Add Comment
It is best to login or register first but you may post as a guest.
Enter an optional name and contact email address. Name
Name Email
help private comment