2008 friendly challenge

[robski]

Last year we had an insects in flight challenge, (mainly aimed at photographing gnats). Whilst out this morning on the lookout for butterflies I thought I'd try my luck with them in flight as very few were feeding.

So here is my first feeble attempt to get the ball rolling. ( a couple of speckled wood) I'd be interested to see if Adey already has some crackers

From what I'd seen so far this year, we may have a better year than last year for butterflies. So how about getting out into that fresh air and trying your hand. A good 5 or 6 months worth of subject matter.

[Adey Baker]

Originally Posted by robski

I'd be interested to see if Adey already has some crackers

No he hasn't

I've got several dragonfly flight shots and they seem OK, but butterflies never quite look 'right' in flight to me (well, that's my excuse, anyway!). I've certainly tried but I've never been really satisfied with the results. I think it's something to do with how we appreciate them - with dragonflies, most of the identification features are on the 'body' which remains fairly visible in flight whereas the attractive parts of butterflies (the wings) are all of a blur. Fine for the odd impressionistic shot but just how many blurred butterfly shots do you want If you manage to 'freeze' them in mid-flight then all you get is the same sort of shot that you'd have of them on a flower - except you haven't got the flower!

Not sure about your last paragraph, Rob - until today I've only seen six butterflies all year (that's six individuals, not six species!). A few more today, including my first Speckled Wood and Holly Blue, but it's been by far the slowest start to the season that I can ever remember and the forecast isn't looking wonderful for the next few days...

[Saphire]

Great challenge but I haven't any butterflies about yet.

[Adey Baker]

I did put this one in the gallery a couple of years ago: http://www.worldphotographyforum.com...=500&ppuser=43

I think Brimstones are a good candidate for flight shots but in that particular instance I reckon I should have been a bit closer!

[andy153]

An interesting challenge - something I've never tried before - but like Christine no butterflies awake up here yet - so let's wait and see.

[Christine]

We do have quite a few butterfies around,but too windy for any shots.But having bought a new macro lens esp for this purpose,will be having a go,when the weather conditions are favourable!!!!

[Tanny]

Sorry Robski but I think this has to be one of the worst years for butterflies, I have only seen one Peacock Butterfly this year and last year I saw my first in January. Fingers crossed for an improvement.

[robski]

For me last year was pretty bad. I must admit a slow start as it only now starting to warm up for insects. This mornings walk bagged a holly blue, Peacock, several orange tips and speckled wood. Also spotted my first damsel as it landed on my lens barrel

[Saphire]

First butterflies out today, here is my effort.

[robski]

Another Attempt - Captive in a hot house this time.

I saw plenty out and about with this hot spell in Devon last week