Clouded Beauties

The photo shows two Clouded Yellow butterflies in a bokeh wonderland and is special to me in so many ways - and I hope others will find as much joy in it also.

This photo is part of a series of small world photographs trying to give these wonderful insects the glamorous stage they deserve - with special techniques I am able to create a special bokeh in the negative space around them. I usually shoot in the early morning hours when the butterflies are torpid (lethargic/inactive) and where the softer light is preferable.

I have been working on this series for years and this image is the result of countless failed attempts and improving my skills over those years. This image won several awards including TIFA silver award and won a round in the APOY 2021.

It is very important for me to get everything done in-camera out in the field with minimal adjustments to the RAW image to stay true to the scene.