America Lady Butterfly on the vervain

[LindaHarden]

Nikon D90 and Sigma 150 macro with SB700 flash
ISO 200, Exposure 1/320s, Aperture F14, EV -.3

I chose this one over another that may have been a tad sharper in the wings because this one seemed more facing to the camera and the other seemed slightly facing away...
In Capture NX2 I did some small levels and curves and also some slight sharpening. Nothing else that I remember. taken on july 4th..

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From 2012 Butterflies

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[Allen Sparks]

Hi Linda, great looking butterfly with a nice BG. Seems pretty sharp throughout to me - could be maybe a little sharper at the wing tip but still looks good. Nice parallel position of the subject toward the camera with a slight tilt towards it. Nice use of flash too. Well done!

[Bob Miller]

Hi Linda...You handled everything really well on this image. If you don't already know...its important to keep the plane of the camera sensor parallel to your subject for the very best depth of field. Nice work on this!

[Jonathan Ashton]

Lovely shot, I agree with the aforesaid, I would selectively sharpen the proboscis and antennae a little more, I think this would help draw attention away from the slightly OOF right wing.

[LindaHarden]

Thanks all... I do realize about the plane of focus but I often lack when it comes down to execution.... This year, I have been giving extra attention to the BG and seem to be getting better with that. Jonathan... i am reworking this image now. I sharpened the tips of the antennae and was amzed that it makes such a difference. I'm still working on the probiscis that is more difficult since it shows movement. Also sharpened the wing tip slightly as Allen noted. These were great suggestions and forcing me to learn more about my Capture NX2 features. Linda

[Steve Maxson]

Hi Linda. Good suggestions above about selective sharpening. Otherwise, the pose, comp, lighting, and background look very good. A few tweaks on the sharpening should make this one shine!

[Jason Stander]

Hi Linda... great shot... you have been great advice above... lovely detail and bg... maybe up the contrast on the critter... would have also liked more of the flower... otherwise VWD!