Most of the photos in the gallery are from our farm, but we love to share our visitors’ pictures as well. We are constantly amazed by the quality and beauty of your images. Thanks so much to everyone who has shared his or her love of butterflies with us through photography. Your pictures are appreciated by all of us.
Tips to Photographing Butterflies
Photographing butterflies in the wild is a challenging hobby. There are so many variables involved with trying to get the perfect shot of a butterfly. At Greathouse Butterfly Farm, we can control some of these variables. We provide the perfect opportunity to capture these elusive creatures on film. However, you still have to deal with the problems of inadequate lighting, a very shallow depth of field and importantly, a subject that will not keep still long enough to be captured on film!
Butterflies see movement so it is important to approach the butterfly very cautiously without scaring it away. Try to move slowly towards the butterfly in a direct, straight line without moving from side to side. In order to really capture the detail and beauty of the butterfly, you will need to get close enough to fill at least 1/2 to 2/3 of the frame with the butterfly. Most people take photos of the butterflies ’flat on’, but do try some ’eye to eye’ and other angle shots for variety.
For action shots, we have our butterfly barns that simulate butterflies in the wild but in a restricted space. You will be able to see butterflies laying eggs, mating, caterpillars eating or "j-ing." You may even get the chance to see a butterfly emerging. The butterfly encounter is another good spot and the butterflies can be posed for certain shots while using our special nectar. Our gardens provide ample opportunities for getting that perfect shot. In the shady areas of the garden you are likely to find approachable butterflies resting. A flash could be handy in these situations.
Don’t forget to take a few of the easy shots of the caterpillars and pupa. These will always make an interesting addition to your portfolio!
Most of all just snap away and enjoy!
Your Butterfly Farmer,
Zane Greathouse