Red-spotted Purple

[Allen Sparks]

Canon 40D, 300 f4 plus 1.4 teleconverter, monopod
ISO 400, f16, 1/250s, 580 EX II flash

[Jerry van Dijk]

Hi Alan, that is a very beautiful image of a very beautiful butterfly! I might increase the blacks a little or add some more contrast. If you're into cloning, I would clone out the one cut-off flower on the right. Is this a native species? It looks tropical.

[Allen Sparks]

Thanks Jerry. Yes, it is a native species. The flash really brings out the colors.

[Don Lacy]

Hi Allen, Wonderful color and detail the scales just shine from the flash. I do find the image a tad tight for my taste and if you had the room I would like to see a little of the bottom of the frame showing a bit more of the perch.

[Ken Childs]

Nice catch, Allen! Even if the flowers aren't in the best shape, I can really appreciate this because I know how rare it is to find this species feeding on something other than rotting fruit, mud, feces, carrion etc.

It might be worth trying to lighten up the BG a tiny bit so there is more separation between it and the body/antennae.

[Julie Kenward]

Love the butterfly! You reall brought out the irridescence of his wings. I also think including a bit more of the flowers at the base and cloning out the one single flower to the right of the bunch would make this even stronger. Beautiful BG by the way - lovely image overall!

[Don Hamilton Jr.]

Awesome pic, as sugested, i'd also endorse more perch, and removal of the rt flower! Awesome image needs to be on the WALL!!!
Congrats!
Don H.

[Cheryl Flory]

agree with above comments, that it is a very nice image, but would also like a bit more room especially for the flowers

[OvidiuCavasdan]

Beautiful BF, well captured! I like the tight crop, only thing I might try is to clean the flower on the right.

[Roman Kurywczak]

Hey Allen,
Late to the party.....as I like tight crops ....fine with the OP.Another vote for flower eviction....but not a deal breaker by any means.....very nicely done!

[Adrian David]

Wow! What a beauty! I wonder how this butterfly looks with open wings...