Photography Tips

Photographing butterflies in the wild is an extremely challenging hobby, but a visit to one of our Butterfly Farms provides the perfect opportunity to capture these elusive creatures on film. However, you still have to deal with the problems of inadequate lighting, a very shallow depth of field and importantly, a subject that will not keep still long enough to be “shot”!

It is important to approach the butterfly very cautiously without scaring it away, try to move slowly towards the butterfly in a direct straight line without moving from side to side. For best results you will need to get close enough to fill at least 1/2 to 2/3 of the frame with the butterfly. Most people take photos of the butterflies ‘flat on’, but do try some ‘eye to eye’ and other angle shots for variety.

For action shots find a sunny spot with nectar flowers, set up your camera frame and wait for the butterflies to come into view. The feeding tables are another good spot and the butterflies will linger there for quite some time. In the shady areas of the garden you are likely to find approachable butterflies resting, a flash could be handy in these situations.

Don’t forget to take a few of the easy shots of the caterpillars and pupa these will always make an interesting addition to your portfolio. Another nice idea submitted by one of our visitors, is to shoot a ‘life-cycle’ series….egg, caterpillar, pupa and adult butterfly.

Most of all just snap away and enjoy!!