7 tips for capturing beautiful butterfly photographs
Butterflies, like flowers, are a beautiful sign of seasonal change and a great photography subject.
Unlike flowers, however, butterflies are often on the move, fluttering from plant to plant. Capturing images of them can be a challenge, but very rewarding when one of the dainty insects lands in front of your lens at the right moment and in the right light.
Not only are butterflies beautiful and colorful subjects, they’re also fascinating to see close-up in your viewfinder. They’re alien and maybe even a little creepy. Getting a closer look at butterflies of all shapes and varieties, as well as snagging a great new screensaver, takes patience and a little planning.
Wait for the right conditions. When the weather is good you’ll find butterflies throughout the day. But these creatures are cold-blooded, so it has to be warm--at least 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit--for them to fly. Strong winds can be a problem. Butterflies might still be flying, but trying to take pictures of them on flowers that are getting tossed around won’t be easy. A good rule of thumb: If it is pleasant for you, it is probably pleasant for the insects.
Find your spot. Parks, prairies, arboretums, public gardens, or well-maintained corporate campuses are all great places to find butterflies. If you see a lot of colorful wildflowers, you’ve likely found a good location to take off your lens cap.
Make sure you're comfortable. Capturing images of butterflies requires patience. And it is really hard to be patient if you are not comfortable. Make sure you’ve applied bug spray to keep the pesky mosquitos at bay. It is hard to keep your eye to the viewfinder when you're constantly slapping at bites on your arms and legs. You may also want to wear pants instead of shorts if you are going to be in the weeds to limit exposure to prickly plants and ticks.
Identify butterfly food. Butterflies like certain plants and flowers. For example, the Monarch butterfly is partial to milkweed. But if you make a poor naturalist, just look for especially attractive flowers. If you see a lot of bees buzzing about, that can be a good sign.
Refine your target area. If you find an area with good light and lots of butterflies dancing in the air… stay there. Zero-in on an attractive tract of land, keep your head up, and walk back-and-forth. This might be a little boring, but if you are specifically targeting butterflies, it is effective.
Use the right lens. Different photographers might have different preferences and suggestions, but my preferred lens for butterfly photography is a 70-300mm zoom or something comparable. I find this to be a good range where you can get close, but not disturb the insects. Zoom lenses with a macro feature can also come in handy.
Ready the eyes. It’s helpful to opt for a hat instead of sunglasses. Perhaps a floppy sun hat--which you can easily fold up and store in your camera bag. Use the brim to keep direct sunlight out of your eyes, allowing your eyes to dilate more. Most sunglasses--while perhaps more comfortable for your eyes--will limit the depth and nuisance of your vision. This can be important to notice butterflies on the periphery and separate them amongst vegetation.
CRAIG SAUER is a writer, communicator and former journalist living in Fitchburg, Wis. He enjoys photography in his spare time, primarily focusing on wildlife.
