Nature Photographers Network
This is the preserved archive of the original Nature Photographers Network. The community continues at naturephotographers.network.
Forums · UKNP

Mating 6 Spot Burnets

Discussion

9 replies
Posted by Shaun Simpson on July 12, 2010 at 5:19 PM
Mating 6 Spot Burnets
Hi:wavey: , this is the last of my Burnet images , this was taken the other evening and is the last of this series, I have been attempting this shot for the last few trips but I have never managed to get both moths in a plane of focus and next to the empty chrysalis, this is the closest I have got, what do you think, what it worth the effort?

Techs full frame D300. 105macro (VR off) MLU tripod remote 1/15 @ f11

All comments most welcome :biggrin:
Posted by John Robinson on July 12, 2010 at 5:34 PM
Hi Shaun
Technically excellent. very sharp and good detail. Photographically spot on.
Something makes me wonder however that maybe the mating pair and the spent cocoon may be a bit too much in the same pic?
The newly emerged insect would normally crawl up and away, and wouldn't generally be found mating near the cocoon case. Nit picking I know but still a nice "story " type natural history image.
Cheers
JohnR
Posted by Shaun Simpson on July 12, 2010 at 5:41 PM
Hi John this is exactly as I found them, recently there has been more than a few in this position on the meadows I photograph on, don't know whether it is due to the hot weather or what but I have only noticed it in the last week or so, :smile:
Posted by Brett Lewis on July 13, 2010 at 12:00 PM
John is wrong on this aspect as the males tend to be waiting for the females to emerge and mate almost immediately so they are often found on the same stem as the cocoon.. So in that respect it works well as a NH image..

Brett :toast:
Posted by Guy Rogers on July 13, 2010 at 12:20 PM
Hello Shaun.

Very nice closeup and you have captured the moment just as I would expect to find them.


:wavey: :wavey: :wavey:
Posted by Karen Summers on July 13, 2010 at 1:21 PM
a lovely close up great detail and comp
Posted by PhilH on July 13, 2010 at 1:43 PM
Works for me... nicely depicted...

:toast: :toast: :wavey: :toast: :toast:
Posted by David Taylor on July 13, 2010 at 4:09 PM
Last of the series? What about an in-flight shot? :smile: :wink: However this excellent image will do for now. :smile: :wink:

:toast: :toast: :jump:
Posted by Ian Haskell on July 13, 2010 at 6:07 PM
Nice shot...and agree there seems to be a lot around at the moment.

Ian
Posted by Des Ong on July 15, 2010 at 8:07 AM
I too have come across them mating next to the cocoon, so I know this happens. Good that you've managed to get them all in focus. The colours look a bit on the cool side. Was this in the shade? If so try changing your camera WB settings next time (I know you can probably do this after but best get it right first time, saves pp time later).

Regards,

Des :toast: