Known as the Paper Kite butterfly, Rice Paper butterfly or Large Tree Nymph, this is a butterfly known especially for its presence in butterfly houses and live butterfly expositions. This butterfly is native to southeast Asia. I captured this dorsal view of the Paper Kite Butterfly at our local butterfly pavilion this past Fall. It was a field trip to entertain my 8-year-old granddaughter and her friend. Beyond walking among multitudes of butterflies, the opportunity to take photographs was a highlight for me; getting to hold a tarantula named Rosie was a highlight for them. ISO 200, 132mm, f6.4, 1/200 sec. Due to time constraints and computer issues, there was nothing done in post beyond the basics, adding a vignette and darkening or removing distracting items.
12 comments posted
Leslie Larson
(Groups 21 & 94)
Looks good to me. Can't go wrong with butterflies. That all is in focus is nice. Flowers add a nice splash of color. Posted: 02/11/2025 21:30:44
Darcy Johnson
Hi Leslie - Thanks for commenting. Posted: 02/17/2025 16:35:29
Erin Browne
Hi Darcy -
A great capture with the wings wide open and all in focus. I might clone out the tiny bit of pink flower below the butterfly and see how that works. Makes me very excited to visit the nearby botanical gardens as soon as the weather turns here in the mid Atlantic! Posted: 02/13/2025 01:58:47
Darcy Johnson
Hi Erin - I agree the bit of pink flower should go. Thanks for your input! Posted: 02/17/2025 16:36:46
Gregory Waldron
Hi Darcy,
This is one of your best images. A nice and simple image with a nice color palette. The composition works well.
Best regards,
Greg Posted: 02/15/2025 05:46:22
Darcy Johnson
Hi Greg - I appreciate the compliments and observations. Posted: 02/17/2025 16:41:55
Tom Brassil
Very nice image Darcy, I like the frame being in two sections, flowers v butterfly with the tones and textures in the butterfly's wings being extremely well captured. Sharpness and colour range adds to the beauty of the image.
A minor distraction for me is the dark green leaf below the butterfly's left wing. I find the detail and contrast distracts me from the main subject. Might just be the way I see it. Posted: 02/16/2025 05:47:17
Darcy Johnson
Hi Tom - The foliage was interesting in its textured veins. Examples aren't just in the one leaf but run throughout the left side of the image. It kind of mimics the pattern and veining in the butterfly so it seemed rather uniform in the composition, and I wasn't disturbed by it. That pink bit bothers me more than the leaf. That said, I didn't spend as much time as I normally would have, reviewing the image details in post. I'll take another look. Posted: 02/17/2025 16:57:28
Karen Davis
Hi Darcy,
What a beautiful image! I love butterflies!
The only thing I might change is that tiny bit of pink that Erin mentioned, plus another little pink speck on the left.
Wonderful colors and sharp focus.
Great shot!
Karen Posted: 02/20/2025 04:24:47
Darcy Johnson
Hi Karen - Thanks for your input! Posted: 02/23/2025 05:52:48
Ingrid Lockhart
Hi Darcy. What a beautiful butterfly and it was cooperative of him to spread his wings near some lovely flowers and to hold still long enough for this great capture. My only suggestion would be to add a stronger vignette. The little pink flower showing behind the leaves doesn't bother me and may add some continuity to the composition. Posted: 02/20/2025 19:53:44
Darcy Johnson
Hi Ingrid - I appreciate your observations! A stronger vignette is an easy fix! Posted: 02/23/2025 05:54:02
