Tips:

Go early in the morning for the best shots. Often, the butterflies will be basking in the sun to warm their wings, so their wings are open wide. They also move a bit slower at this time of day because they are cooler.

If you want a sharper image, use a flash. This will also darken the background, however, especially on cloudy days.

Try to get the eye in sharp focus. This will make the subject appear more “alive.”

Get on the same plane as the butterfly if you want the whole butterfly to be sharp.

Vary your shots. Look for the unusual. Take some vertical shots, not just horizontal.

Look for complimentary color combinations in your photos. For example a Painted Lady on a Purple coneflower is a study in pink. Look for tiny bits of color on the butterfly to match the color of the flower. Color compliments include blue-orange, red-green and purple-yellow.

Adjacent colors on the color wheel also make good combinations. For example, an orange Gulf Fritillary on a yellow coreopsis makes a pleasing exchange. Yellow and orange are next to each other on the color wheel, so you know they “go” together.

Did I say you might want to purchase a color wheel? Find them at your local art supply store. [Mine is made by The Color Wheel Company 09/02.]