Monday, July 18, 2011

Drops of Jupiter

Drops of Jupiter

Now that she's back in the atmosphere
With drops of Jupiter in her hair
She acts like summer and walks like rain
Reminds me that there's a time to change

- Tell Me, Train

As you may have noticed from previous shots, I've recently been to the zoo. My primary objective was the butterfly exhibit, a temporary collection of exotics let loose in a greenhouse, and I'd been looking forward to shooting there for months.

I had no idea what I'd be up against.

These are tropical creatures from Africa and South American rain forests, so the habitat was set for 90 degrees and 85 percent humidity. My lens fogged up. Sweat stung my eyes. Misters kept going off unexpectedly, threatening my camera with ruin.

Plus, the butterflies refused to pose, preferring to float and flutter in a completely inconsiderate and unpredictable fashion.

In short, I was grumpy and distracted and frustrated. Nearly all of my hasty shots were out of focus, and I came away feeling like I'd been well and truly roughed up.

Still, a few images were keepers. Now that I know what to prepare for, I'm considering a second attempt. Wish me better luck next time.

There are more butterflies this week at Carly's Monday Photo Shoot: Butterflies.

9 comments:

Daryl said...

You can do this .. get a lens hood so the misters dont get on the lens .. also take you camera into the room and just sit or stand for a minute or three til the lens unfogs (this happened to me in VA last summer so now I know put the camera outside of the AC for 5 min before attempting to use in a steamy setting.

MyMaracas said...

Thanks, Daryl! I'll try that.

Rambling Woods said...

Yeah..those butterflies are tough subjects..same with dragons and damsels...this is lovely

EG CameraGirl said...

Well, THIS shot turned out very well!

MyMaracas said...

Thanks, Michelle and EG - I was happy with this one myself.
:-)

Carly said...

Hello Stranger... LOL... I mean Vicki :)

LOL... Yes, butterflies can be VERY challenging subject, especially the ones that hangout at Starbuck's! You did great with this one, it is a lovely capture! Love all the colorful details on the wings, the blue and the yellow. Like a stained glass window. Your entry is especially lovely paired with "Drops of Jupiter" by Train. I will be hearing it in my head all day, and that's a good thing! :) So good to see you darlin!

-Carly

Carly said...

Hello Stranger... LOL... I mean Vicki :)

LOL... Yes, butterflies can be VERY challenging subject, especially the ones that hangout at Starbuck's! You did great with this one, it is a lovely capture! Love all the colorful details on the wings, the blue and the yellow. Like a stained glass window. Your entry is especially lovely paired with "Drops of Jupiter" by Train. I will be hearing it in my head all day, and that's a good thing! :) So good to see you darlin!

-Carly

MyMaracas said...

Thanks, Carly, for stopping by! Sorry about planting that song in your head.
;-)

Jama said...

This is stunning photography!