No problems in choosing: this is the only Gatekeeper I photographed this year. A nice array of spots, though.
Mike

I think those are beautifully created artworks Chris, of which any illustrator would be proud. There are now Field Guides that use modified photographic images to ensure 'realism' of their subjects. I think yours have considerable artistic merit and you should be proud of them

Mike

As someone who believes that post processing is an integral part of photography, I'm always aware of the potential for taking things too far! Way back in film days, techniques such as 'dodging and burning' were part of the photo printer's art and, indeed, the preparation of a good print was consider...

There were rather few butterflies around when I visited Nuneham Arboretum, near Oxford, on 10th August. This Comma, however, had found a good sun-spot and was showing off its ragged profile.
Mike

I've not taken many butterfly photos this year but this Brimstone was posing on a clump of bushes when I took a walk around my local Thrupp Lake, now an Earth Trust reserve.
Mike

I hope all goes well with your move, Goldie. I shall miss your reports from my old haunts in Lancashire.
Mike

I remember once, one of these large Red Underwing moths started flying around inside a bus, where it caused great consternation amongst some of the passengers!

I like the 'in a spin' shot

Regarding your earlier shots in the kennel - never trust auto white balance; it's always better to select an appropriate setting for the lighting but, of course you then have to remember to re-set it.

Mike

Hi Peter, thank you for responding so fully to my question. The best thing is that it led you into showing some of your beautiful artworks - a lovely way to bring together the characteristics of the butterflies and dragonflies that you see. I hope that you will treat us to some more in the future :)...

I love the colours in that third, open-wing shot - it's really caught the essence of the Valesina variant. I see from the EXIF data that you are now using a Canon EOS90D - a return to DSLR after mirrorless. I'd be interested to know your reasons (PM if you prefer)

Mike

Greattto see the details in pristine condition - easy to see the reasons for the name - all those blusher, lipstick, and eye-shadow colours

Mike

I was pleased to get a snap of this morning's partial solar eclipse, albeit through thin cloud here in Abingdon:
Mike

I switched from Nikon to Olympus several years ago and have never looked back. Apart from the smaller size and lower weight, mirrorless cameras have many advantages. The viewfinder gives instant guidance on correct exposure, even for difficult subjects like Whites. Like Jonhd, I use a 100-400mm lens...

It fascinates me to think that for thousands of years no-one knew anything about craters on the moon and then Galileo turned his telescope onto it! I'm amazed that Kent WT even charge their own members for parking - it seems very short-sighted if they want to gain support. These automatic payment sc...

A visit to my local Dry Sandford Pit reserve, Cothill, on Tuesday 19th found rather few butterflies, despite the very warm and sunny weather. The large patch of Primroses just inside the entrance gate was, unusually, devoid of Brimstones, although a I did see my first Orange Tip there - definitely n...

I usually find that when I reduce image sizes for the web, some additional 'sharpening' is needed. If the originals look good, it's not actually sharpness but something that was called 'acutance' back in film days - some software packages have a control for 'local contrast', which is what it's reall...

T.G.Howarth's book was my first 'serious' butterflies book. It took some tracking down, when I bought it in 1977, and inspired my early steps in butterfly photography. I assume that it was thought to be a selling point to mention 'South' in the title but it is really a completely different work. Mike

It's not often that a Meadow Brown gains a place on the podium, so I'm pleased to give this pair the top spot. I just love the delicate beauty of the subtle undersides.
Mike

You did well with your Snow Moon shot, Goldie. Full Moon is not a good time for capturing any surface details, because the light is flat with no shadows. It's better towards half moon, when the various craters and ridges cast shadows that are much more visible in photos. The moon is also surprisingl...