Swallowtail on Thistle

[Bob Miller]

Nikon D-300
1/640 at f8
ISO500
200-400 mm with 1.4 Tc
off beanbag in car
All comments welcome! Thistle on lower left...leave or evict?

[Ian Cassell]

I vote for eviction.


I like this image very much. Maybe a tiny bit more room above and behind the bug would be nice, but great as it is.

[Chris Ober]

Very nice. I would lose the lower left bit you asked about. On butterfly profiles like this, I like to wait until the wings are fully closed so you see all that under-wing detail and the lighting is better I think. Great background and position in the frame.

[Indranil Sircar]

Very nice composition, Bob. I love the bg and the sharpness. I rarely photograph butterfly but can see Chris's point on the closed wing. I too vote for evicting the thistle.

[Julie Brown]

Nice image, Bob. I like the color and detail on the flower. I would clone out the thistle at the bottom.

[Julie Kenward]

Such a beautiful butterfly, Bob! I'd also clone out the thistle. One thing I strive for in my macro images is to get a natural "cut" at the base of the frame where flowers and leaves are. Take that first quick shot and then move that camera around a bit to see if you can find a natural "break" in the plant where all the flowers and leaves are either "all in" or "all out."

If you have a bit more room I'd add in a slice to the left side as well.

[Bob Miller]

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions!:D