# Two Monarchs **URL:** \ **Category:** Image Critiques\ **Tags:** macro-close-up\ **Created:** [October 16, 2020, 7:55pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/two-monarchs/17364 "2020-10-16T19:55:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Shirley\_Freeman](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/shirley_freeman/32/11361_2.png) [@Shirley\_Freeman](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Shirley_Freeman)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2020, 7:55pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/two-monarchs/17364/1 "2020-10-16T19:55:16Z")
I was able to get out and shoot a couple of Monarchs the other day. I’m going to post 2 shots that I liked fairly well, and they are very much similar, and I would appreciate your comments and critiques. ![TwoMonarchs](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/3X/3/4/3418a6794fe548e1fdb1b3a2f3d47d39c0611081.jpeg) ![TwoMonarchs2](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/3X/3/6/36ca410f246da7622f82bca64f932ee918eac672.jpeg) ### What technical feedback would you like if any? Any ### What artistic feedback would you like if any? Any ### Pertinent technical details or techniques: I shot this with Canon 7D Mark II, Canon 100-400mm L lens, HH, set at manual (except ISO was auto), f6.3, 1/2000, ISO 640 for both shots. Edited in LR and Topaz AI Clear. ###### If you would like your image to be eligible for a feature on the NPN Instagram (@NaturePhotoNet), add the tag ‘ig’ and leave your Instagram username below. ---
**Author:** ![linda\_mellor](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/linda_mellor/32/15806_2.png) [@linda\_mellor](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/linda_mellor)\ **Post date:** [October 16, 2020, 9:30pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/two-monarchs/17364/2 "2020-10-16T21:30:11Z")
I like them both Shirley. But am tending towards the first one, mainly because it shows more of the wings on each of the butterflies. The OOF background, along with the soft yellow/greens really help to make the BF pop. Glad you had some time to be out in the fall splendor. Nicely seen and captured. ---
**Author:** ![Jim\_Zablotny](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/jim_zablotny/32/3919_2.png) [@Jim\_Zablotny](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Jim_Zablotny)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2020, 12:37pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/two-monarchs/17364/3 "2020-10-17T12:37:05Z")
Hi Shirley, I like the first one as the comp is fairly stronger than the second. All this needs is to adjust the saturation of yellows down a hair. They look too strong on my monitor as my only nit. Otherwise, an excellent photo…Jim ---
**Author:** ![Bill\_Fach](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/bill_fach/32/78290_2.png) [@Bill\_Fach](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Bill_Fach)\ **Post date:** [October 17, 2020, 5:19pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/two-monarchs/17364/4 "2020-10-17T17:19:58Z")
Shirley: The first for me for sure because of the better view of the wings and also more head detail on both butterflies. I would also smooth out the OOF leaves on the right side and crop a little from the right before printing large. Great capture. \>=))\> ![Shirley](https://images.naturephotographers.network/original/3X/9/e/9e327aabacf40887f934b182178ee0af48854570.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Mark\_Seaver](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/mark_seaver/32/231_2.png) [@Mark\_Seaver](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Mark_Seaver)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2020, 1:13pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/two-monarchs/17364/5 "2020-10-19T13:13:40Z")
Shirley, what a treat to get two in the same shot this late in the season. I vote for #1 because of the separation between the two BFs. It’s also good because the one on the left looks like it’s in flight. Bill’s crop and reduction improve things a bit. If you’re going to print, make sure that your crop is a “standard” size, 8.5 x 11 or 4 x 5. It is a beauty. ---
**Author:** ![Allen\_Brooks](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/allen_brooks/32/390_2.png) [@Allen\_Brooks](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Allen_Brooks)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2020, 3:34pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/two-monarchs/17364/6 "2020-10-19T15:34:34Z")
Eye catching shots for sure. Great colors and soft background; nice detail; great setting and comp. I’d be happy with either shot, but I’d vote for the first as well. I think the second one would be better with only the right sided butterfly as the other one is more of a distraction giving its position. Also, the flowers along the left border on the first one is a plus. ---
**Author:** ![terryb](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/terryb/32/39625_2.png) [@terryb](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/terryb)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2020, 3:42pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/two-monarchs/17364/7 "2020-10-19T15:42:16Z")
Glad you were able to get out and shoot a bit, Shirley. I, too like the first shot best Very eye-catching yet soft yellows, oranges, and greens, and nice positions of the butterflies. Well done. ---
**Author:** ![Ingrid\_Vekemans](https://assets.naturephotographers.network/user_avatar/community.naturephotographers.network/ingrid_vekemans/32/2252_2.png) [@Ingrid\_Vekemans](https://community.naturephotographers.network/u/Ingrid_Vekemans)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2020, 6:33pm UTC](https://community.naturephotographers.network/t/two-monarchs/17364/8 "2020-11-02T18:33:15Z")
I absolutely like the first one too, Shirley, because of more visibility of wings and heads. Gorgeous warm colours and good control of the sunlight. Would love to see these butterflies some time myself. grt, Ingrid.