Lovely capture here and the colour of the wings looks very natural. I like the contrast from the main wings to the black background. I do find the head rather dark and difficult to recognise. Also, the little flowers at the bottom feel a little overpowering in their lightness and colour. Overall though a great nature capture, as I know that they can fly off at a moment's notice.   Posted: 08/11/2026 09:21:48

Hi, Steven, Thank you for your comments. Yes, you do have to get them when you can, they move so quickly. I agree that the head can be lightened up a little and the flowers darkened. It was the flowers that drew me to make this image, I love the detail in them, but they do distract from the butterfly.   Posted: 08/11/2026 19:04:23

Technically excellent. Good call on the shutter speed. I am always amazed at how fast the natural world vibrates and what it takes to freeze that movement. I'm going to guess you were 2 - 3m away as your subject is in focus the leaves behind it are pleasantly softened.
Composition is excellent. The space around the butterfly keeps the image from feeling crowded without being too much dark area. Just enough light on the subject and good call letting the background go dark. Foliage would have just distracted.
I think I'd like to see you push the vibrance on the butterfly just a tad.
Other than that a great image. I'm sure you got a lot that day. Thank you for sharing.   Posted: 08/12/2026 21:09:31

Thank you, Gene, for your detailed review.   Posted: 08/13/2026 17:27:29

Great color contrast. To me the flowers are a bit of a distraction. Maybe tone them down and brighten the head?   Posted: 08/14/2026 02:16:32

Hi Barbara, lovely capture, the muted colour pallet is very soft and enhances the image, the darker background allows the butterfly to standout well and reduces any distractions, I also find the head a little dark, fading away into the background, great pose with the wings fully open, nice and sharp and shows off the patterns on the wings.   Posted: 08/17/2026 11:54:45