Tortoiseshell Butterfly

An absolutely gorgeous day today here in Frinton, with wall to wall sunshine all day. The perfect day to take the camera out in the late afternoon and see what I can spot in the garden. This warm weather has certainly encourage lots of butterflies like the Tortoiseshell into the garden. The Buddleia is really past its best but the Tortoiseshell butterflies don’t seem to mind, still nectaring on what is left of the flowers.

Tortoiseshell Butterfly photo

Trying to focus on flitting butterflies and on a gently swaying butterfly bush is no easy task. The best way I have found in this scenario is to set the camera to burst mode and use a tripod. In this instance I am using the Lumix FZ-50 with a remote. Spend a while observing your target, the butterflies, and where they seem to favour most. Focus the camera on a specific flower or area of the bush, depending on what you wish to achieve and just wait. Today I didn’t have to wait too long as there were quite a few tortoiseshell butterflies around enjoying the  flowers and the warm sunshine. A real pleasure for me too to be out enjoying the sun after a few grey days that we had before.

Tortoiseshell Butterfly photos

I have managed to capture a few good shots today with a few good close-ups too using the burst mode method. As each click will capture at least 3 separate shots there is a good chance that some will be better than others and you have a choice of photos to use in any project. Once you have mastered your camera and know its capabilities, photography can be a very enjoyable hobby/pastime or even a career.  I find going out with my camera very relaxing and therapeutic even if it’s just for an hour a day and a great way to get some fresh air into your lungs.

---