www.ukbutterflies.co.uk

I enjoy taking pictures of photographs of the butterflies I see - a lot of it is down to "capturing the moment" (I find I am nearly always happy when I see a butterfly) so that it can be relived later. However sometimes I think it would be nice just to enjoy them and not feel almost obliged to take a photograph. In short I have conflicting feelings about my camera

I think this year I might deliberately leave my camera at home on occasion - and just go to look at these wonderful creatures. Then of course I will see something special and regret not having my camera with me

It's nice to do both - watch the butterflies whilst having a camera handy in case you see something noteworthy.

I completely agree with you, A_T. It would be tempting fate, though, to leave it at home, so how about just putting it down occasionally? I find that is sufficient to deactivate the photo-jerk reflex that can so easily drive one to ruining the moment instead of enjoying it.

Guy

Its difficult to get the balance right.

The worry is that you might witness something extraordinary (like Red Admirals mating) and not be able to record it. Imagine too if you were lucky enough to see a Large Tortoiseshell basking on a tree trunk and you were without your camera?

Sometimes I just put the camera down and enjoy what I see. I would always take one with me though, even if it is just my phone, for a record shot.

having only had a decent camera for a year i still tend to watch first. i missed a male blackcap on the suet block this morning

I've started doing what David, Guy and Susie advocate over the last year. It's lovely to watch behaviour sometimes in a natural environment.

However, I wouldn't leave home without one...

Cheers

Lee

Never ever go out without a camera of some sort. Today I was walking the dog along a disused road and stumbled across a pair of Yellowhammers sitting in the hedgerow about 3 metres ahead of me................no camera!!!!!

Not to mention the 12 Buzzards that were flying above the fields!