by Howard Cheek
Thought I should get in at least one shot of the Monarch posted this season. This is titled 'Tight Spaces' because the morning glory vine that chokes off the zinnia also has a kind of 'choke' hold on the insects neck, along with the tight grouping of nearby flowers..
On close examination you can see it straining forward/through to the flowers nectar. Heavy clouds, not the best light, so flash & a higher ISO than usual was used. I was drawn outside (I can keep track from the kitchen window) by the activity of 3 Pipevines, 2 Queens, & this one Monarch flittering about.. I had a shot of two swallowtails facing forward on the same flower I was excited about.. but after viewing on the PC it didn't make the cut sadly
F/10, 1/500th, ISO 1000, 5DM2, 300mm f/2.8 + 2x ext. and flash with monopod for support. Center weighted metering. Shot date 08-30-2015
Comments
6 commentsBeautiful shot. I love all the color in the bg. Very complimentary to the Monarch. He does look like he's a little "wrapped up" in his quest for nectar. I would never have guessed you used a flash on this one. Nice job with the lighting.
A perfect Monarch on a decent Zinnia! The MG vine and close by OOF flowers add some supporting cast to the story. Great shot!
Really good detail in the monarch, Howard. The monarch and zinnia are beautifully rendered, and its interesting seeing the monarch navigate the MG vines. Well captured.
A lovely colourful image Howard. These monarchs on zinnas are an ideal subject. very sharp throughout the subject and the environmental background is excellent. Graham
Agree, great shot. I would be tempted to clone out the very upper portion of the vine since it doesn't add to the scene. Your handling of the butterfly images is outstanding and this is another example.
So, I'm wondering what happened next, as it tried to move to the other side of the flower... A fine catch, Howard, with excellent supporting colors.