Clouded Sulfur

Image Critiques Weekly Challenge
1

Image(s)

CloudedSulfur1.jpg
CloudedSulfur1.jpg2000×1334 493 KB

Image Description

I switched to the shorter 105mm f2.8 Micro over the 200mm f4 Micro which can utilize autofocus with the Z9. Butterflies rarely sit still long enough to capture effectively with a manual focus lens. This scene was captured in the vegetable garden which contains many pollinator-friendly plants.

Feedback Requests

I used a center crop because I preferred to leave the petals intact. Would you prefer this over cropping to get a more off centered composition?

Pertinent Technical Details

Z9 105mm f2.8 Micro + fill flash at -1.3ev (1/2000sec at f13, ISO 2500) DeNoise, Full frame, Levels…Jim

2 Likes
2

Hi Jim,

Sweet butterfly image! I guess I’m not very picky about cropping. I doubt that there is a right or a wrong.

Out here in Arizona it’s pretty hard to differentiate clouded sulfurs from orange sulfurs. Entomologists sometimes resort to measuring ultraviolet light reflections.

Russ

1 Like
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Jim: Oh this is fine! This butterfly has been one of my nemeses for years. We do have them rarely in our garden but never long enough to get back inside to get the camera and never landing long enough to get any kind of shot. I hear your lament about not having autofocus with your 200mm. Mine will work on my A7rIII with an adaptor but the AF is glacially slow and pretty much useless for fast moving critters. I have considered getting Sony’s 90mm macro but have a hard time justifying the $$$ when I can pair up the ultra fast 70-200 with tubes. So it goes and I guess this is certainly a first world problem :roll_eyes:.
As for the image itself I give it a grade of 99.2%. Add a tiny bit more canvas on the bottom and it goes to 100%+. Superb capture of an illusive subject on a fantastic perch. >=))>

Jim-Z
Jim-Z2000×1391 927 KB

4

I like the not-quite-symmetrical composition and the colors. The crop is fine as is.

5

Jim - fine catch! Love the colours and detail. I think Bill’s tiny bit more room at the bottom is an improvement on this already-great image

6

Gorgeous capture! The centering is perfect and another vote for more at the bottom.

7

Jim, this is a fine look with both the flower and the bf nicely sharp. Their colors and the nice green background make a warm inviting view.

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Hi Jim,
That is quite the colorful landing platform for the equally colorful sulfur butterfly. In this case I do like the petals intact so good call on the crop, although I think the rework by @Bill_Fach; with a little more canvas at the bottom; makes an already wonderful image even better. The mottled green BG is the perfect canvas for showcasing the bold colors of the butterfly and flower. Beautifully done.