My turn for some butterflies

[mmeyer]

After seeing everyone's great butterfly images last week I thought I better get some of my own. I looked out the window and saw probably 20 or 30 of them on my trees so what better chance was I going to have! Here's the results. All were taken with Nikon D80, Sigma 105mm Macro and fill flash from SB800.

[MN Shutterbug]

Welcome to the wonderful world of butterflies. They can be a satisfying challenge, especially when life seems to be devoid of birds. They seem to finally be grouping up for their long journey. I've noticed that it's normally the 3rd week in August when this happens. Like everything else, they seem to be a week or 2 behind.

If I had to pick a fave, it would be #2. However, I;m surprised that both butterflies are in focus, considering you shot at f2.8. Or is my exif reader wrong?

Anyway, nice shots.

[mmeyer]

Your exif reader is correct. I did shoot that at f2.8. I did crop it in about 50% so that's why they are both in focus.

Thanks Mike

[Steve Foss]

Neat shots, Mike. Excellent use of flash, as well. And kudos for using the cropping technique to produce an f2.8 image with more depth of field than if you'd have taken it at closer range.

[MN Shutterbug]

Way to keep your distance.

[Canon Guy]

Nice Mike! I like those pairs. I captured my first momarchs last week and they are not nearly up to these.

[mmeyer]

Thanks Guys! Very nice compliments. Mike, that last one is full frame so I had to get real close on one of them. Furry little buggers aren't they.

[Canon Guy]

After looking at yours closer, I looked back at mine and I now see it was not a monarch I shot,but it was a moth that is colored similar to a monarch. Darn it!

[MARINERMAGNUM]

Great detail-excellent job!