Ruby Spotted Swallowtail (female )

[Randy Stout]

The butterfly season has opened here in West Michigan, at least at the Meijer Gardens butterfly exhibit .

Panasonic GH4, Olympus 40-150 f/2.8, flash with big diffuser. 1/125s, f/6.3 ISO 200. Used a belt mounted monopod to help stabilize the rig. Tripods aren't allowed.

Advice and comments always appreciated!

[Jonathan Ashton]

Very nice indeed Randy, that Olympus zoom works very well for close up, also using the MC14/MC20 gives a little more magnification and reach for smaller subjects.
In general terms I would suggest the image is underexposed in the slightly in mid tones and more so in the darks. The overall composition is good and you obtained an unobtrusive background. DOF and focus look excellent.

[Randy Stout]

Jon:

Thanks for your input. Because I don't like a strong "flash" look, I did tone down the mid tones quite a bit. I will watch that.

Randy