Purple Hairstreak,I think??

[andym]

Very pleased to get these today in gloomy weather.







A shame it would not open its wings to show the very dark purple colour.

Even used the E3's built in flash

Also makes me realise how shallow the DOF is with the 50 mm and the Ec14.

[JohnGG]

Re: Purple Hairstreak,I think??

The DOF might be shallow but you've controlled it very well. I like the way both antennae are in focus in the first shot. I've never managed that

Good captures

Cheers,

JohnGG

[theMusicMan]

Re: Purple Hairstreak,I think??

WOW Andy, that 50mm is top notch glass eh? Sure, as John says the DoF is shallow, but they are wonderful shots, gotta love that bokeh.

Hope you're well.

[art frames]

Re: Purple Hairstreak,I think??

Very pleased to get these today in gloomy weather.







A shame it would not open its wings to show the very dark purple colour.

Even used the E3's built in flash

Also makes me realise how shallow the DOF is with the 50 mm and the Ec14.

Andy

It is indeed a purple hairstreak and a good fresh specimen. You have done well under the not brilliant light. Flash does have its uses.

You said it was a pity it didn't open it's wings. I'd say, when the weather is overcast the butterfly will be quite tolerant of you (it is cold and is sitting, saving energy) so once you have got a few shots in the can and want to try something more adventurous, you can try a couple of things to get the wings to open. The fact that it was low down would lead me to suspect it was feeding on sugary aphid secretions on the leaf. So if it flies away it might return to the same spot in a short while. So wait if it flies off but try....

1. very gently blowing (steady and no gusts) as you are just encouraging it to move to a different angle. OR.... 2, (again very gently) stroke the leading edge of the fore wings with a pencil or even a dry finger (touch it just very gently as you want to get a slight reaction only). Alternatively, if you have time to wait for a really good blast of sun then that would be good too.

Having watched and photographed butterflies over 30+ years, and in the past bred and reared them I can reassure that such gentle interacting with one is not an issue and the worst that might happen is that you frighten it off. You may find it will be attracted to the sweat on you (I have lots of photographs of them walking on my hands and face) as they do land on me quite a lot.

I must get out again as I had a good number of purple hairstreak and black hairstreak last year, this is the prefect timing. You've convinced me I shall have to invent a reason to get to Buckinghamshire again...

nice work

Peter

[andym]

Re: Purple Hairstreak,I think??

Peter

Thanks,and thanks for the tips.