Mating Marbled White

Hi all,

I've been out photographing Bee Orchids last night and came across this mating pair of Marbled White. After getting some really nice portraits I decided to go for an extreme close up as they were quite obliging! I thought it made an very intriguing pattern and composition. It would be interesting if other viewers had the same thoughts.

Comments and crits welcome.

Canon 1DMK4
Canon 100mm f/2.8
Camera on beanbag on top of tripod.
1/80sec @ f/9.0
ISO 800
Full frame

Interesting shot Ian, I think that it might work better if the flower was within the depth of field. (I know that that won't be possible except with focus stacking) The OOF bit is a bit distracting - what would it be like in black and white?

Andrew

Hi Ian, an interesting take indeed, but I'd have to agree with Andrew on this one - I think you need a bit more DOF. I can see from the tech that you're already down to 1/80th, is ISO1000 or even 1250 any good with the 1D4? Also, I find their faces a little too close to the edge of the frame, just a tiny bit futher back may have worked better. Just my 2ps worth of course. Always good to try new stuff!

Regards,

Des

it's unusual and bold but doesn't quite work for me Ian. I've been staring at it for a while trying to work out what it is that doesn't sit right. Partly it's the OOF flowers, I think stacking would have been your only option here as I suspect that even at f16 or 18 they wouldn't have been fully in focus. I'd also agree with Des that the heads are just a little too close to the edge of the frame. So maybe backing off a bit would have helped, although then most of the wings would be in frame and it might not look great clipping the wing tips.

top marks for trying something different and I'm sure others will like it. I do like Marbled Whites and wish there were some a bit closer to home so I've very envious of you for stumbling across a mating pair. It would be nice to see a more conventional view of the pair.

Matt

A thumbs up from me - the markings on the butterflies joining together makes it a winner in my book.


Simon

Yep, this works for me. Different comp but well balanced.

Edwin Kats

Hi Ian, I like your approach for something unusual here, certainly captured some great detail and the colours and patterns work well, but is does look a little awkward, I wonder if this type of portrait would have worked better if the butterflies were in a more horizontal plane, shot in landscape.

Heath

Works for me Ian

Nice and big in the frame and superb detail on the wings

As an arty farty shot works well Ian. Certainly something different.