The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
The postman species complex involves Müllerian mimicry between closely related species which complicates identification to the correct species. The hindwing coloration and color patterns suggest that this one is Heliconius erato. I photographed this butterfly at the Fred Meijer Butterfly Exhibit near Grand Rapids, MI. I used my 200mm f4 which has to be used as a manual focusing lens with the Z9. Due to low light, I also used a fairly wide aperture for this photo. Supplemental lighting was provided with 3 small macro flashes set at different power for producing soft shadows.
Specific Feedback
I plan on returning to take more photos on a brighter day. How do you like the lighting. I toned down the highlights and overall brightness a tad to reduce the flashed look to the photo. Thank you for looking…
Technical Details
Z9 200mm f4 Micro (1/200sec at f8, ISO 2000+ fill flash). DeNoise, +1 stop exposure, Shadows and Highlights, crop for comp.
Jim: It’s been a long time since I’ve shot a Postman so this brings back some great memories. There is a wonderful butterfly center in the Houston Museum of Natural Sciences that I used to visit frequently but it’s been several years since I’ve been there. I think your lighting looks great with no indication that the shot is flashed. Using manual focus also shows some serious skill. Were you able to use a tripod? Our center banned them many years ago and I understood their rationale but it was also one of the reasons I’ve not gone back. But with the new tech of my camera and lenses hand holding is viable. You’ve spurred my interest as well as giving a great capture of a fine subject. >=))>
Excellent work, Jim. Beautiful detail and a nice background I’ve tried photographing in butterfly houses and they have a wonderful habit of not holding still as soon as I get anywhere near them. It’s interesting that the lights reflected by the eye make it look as if there were six of them.
Jim, a very careful and striking take on this butterfly. The only thing I might alter is the brightness of the paler green along the top, just to tone it down a little. The perfect circle of the proboscis is great.The lighting looks fine to my eye, with none of the yellow hue that a stronger flash might give to the pale parts.
Jim, what a fine look at this beautiful Postman. I don’t think I have had the pleasure of seeing one of these in real life. Lighting is spot on. Well done!
