I drove the 90 miles south to Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire to meet fellow 365er Mike Alexander @runningbk to hunt for some rare and previously unseen (by me) butterflies.
After a very enjoyable 2 hours walk across the hillside my British species haul had increased by 4, with addition of the aristocratically named Duke of Burgundy, the Green Hairstreak, the Small Heath and the Dingy Skipper. Better still, I managed to get some photos of all four species.
Hear is a shot of the Duke of Burgundy, one of Britain's rarest butterflies, and in serious decline. With a wingspan meausuring about 30mm, they are one of our smaller butterflies too.
This very obliging male sat patiently while Mike, another chap and I snapped away at him!
Remember, once upon a time, the butterfly photographers of the world only had B+W.
Well, I would have thought colour was essential to do the butterfly most justice..... But having looked at both several times at length, I have to say I prefer this one. Great editing Sean, sounds like a great day.
Obviously butterflies are beautiful in colour but I actually think I prefer the b&w. It becomes all about the shapes and patterns and I think I like the simplicity.
The b&w is so interesting -- makes me focus on structure and pattern more closely. The other is beautiful, of course, but this one captures my artistic side more.
I like both but this one is my favourite, and I made it a fav lol - I agree with Paula and Taffyr about the symmetry and patterns - it is a beautiful photo
