How to Photograph Butterflies

Photographing butterflies can be fun and educational if you use these simple steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Digital Camera
• Spray Bottle of Sugar Water
• Patience

1. 
    
   Pretty On Pink

   Time of Day - As with most photography, early morning has not only the best light, but often lower tempratures. Cooler weather has the butterflies sitting still longer trying to capture the heat. They prefer sunlight.

2. 
    
   Shades of Yellow

   Weather - Cooler weather as I said helps. Also, just after the rain is a good time. They like to let their wings dry and will leave them more open at this point.

3. 
    
   Goldenrod Breakfast

   Food Source - Find a stand of flowers that attracts the species you prefer. Spray them lightly with a sugar water solution. If the species you like prefers fruit like mango, spray with a mixture of water and that juice. Don't oversrpay. You'll ruin the flowers.

4. 
    
   Sunlit

   Patience - Most butterflies startle easily at first, but if they fly away from that perfect flower setup, be patient. A lot of times, they will fly off for a minute or so and then be right back. Keep your camera focused on the flower and when the butterfly lands, you'll be ready for the shot.

5. Position - Use common sense and position yourself initially in a spot that will not cast odd shadows as the sun moves. It's best if you can find a spot that will allow different levels. Standing above, sitting at eye level and then if possible where you can lie down and get a shot from below.

6. Background - Prepare your stand of flowers ahead of time. Remove any distractions like weeds or debris. Use a soft brush to remove pollen or specks from the petals before you spray with any solution. Check from all angles to make sure there are no sticks or dead flowers in the background.

7. Props - If you decide to use something besides flowers, it may be more difficult to get them to land. In this case, try to make sure you have colors similar to the flowers they are attracted to. In butterfly nurseries, have your models wear pastel colors and again spray the shirt and hair with a flowery perfume or the sugar solution.

Tips & Warnings

• Find out if there is a butterfly nursery in your area. This will allow you to photograph a large variety of species at once.
• Talk to local photography clubs to find the best locations.
• ALWAYS get permission before photographing on private property.

[eemie]

on 10/17/2008 Very helpful. I took a photo of a butterfly last month... wish I read your article then :s

[jimdris]

on 10/16/2008 Beautiful article!