Spring's Arrival of Painted Lady Butterflies

What's Buzzing on the Brussel Sprouts Blooms

One of the highlights of spring 2015 has been an influx of Painted Lady butterflies, Vanessa cardui, to my yard in western Nevada.  I do not recall these butterflies arriving in early spring, because they are usually here in late summer when the rabbit bushes are blooming.  I first began to notice a few butterflies landing on the wet dirt when I was watering my garden plants. Then I noticed numerous Painted Lady butterflies drawn to my Brussel sprouts plants, which I allowed to flower since they did not not produce any sprouts over winter. .  

One afternoon as I walked by the yellow flowers, I saw so much activity that I grabbed my Nikon with the 150mm macro lens and waited nearby.  

Not only were the blossoms attracting the butterflies, numerous worker bees were buzzing around, collecting the pollen.

While focusing in on the butterflies, I noticed a large number of moths coming to the flowers. From my research, moths also serve a very vital function to the environment along with butterflies and bees as pollinators. 

  

A Painted Lady with its straw-like proboscis unraveled, eating nectar from the flower. 

 

 Painted Lady butterflies use their feet to taste food.

As far as my Brussel sprouts plants goes, I think I came out way ahead by allowing the plants to flower, even though I did not get to eat any fresh sprouts.  What a fun and exciting photo opp this has been.  And by the way I did enjoy many of the plant's leaves in fresh salads during the winter.  

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

Sign up and follow my blog to see where my next photo-adventure will be!

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

Many of these images are available on my website:

 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

No images on this blog are within Public Domain or are available for free download. 

 All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald. For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.

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Winter Storm Accents Flowers

Diffused Lighting, Snowflakes and Flowers

The autumn of 2012 in Northern Nevada has been anything but typical with warm sunny days and mild nights.  As all good things must eventually come to an end, on the morning of November 10th. a cold front passed through the area covering the landscape in a blanket of snow.

Once the storm passed, the sky remained overcast which created nice, even soft lighting.  A walk through the yard found the flowers decorated with snow that were still in bloom.

The diffused lighting without the harsh shadows and contrast from direct sunlight allowed the colors of the flowers to appear more saturated, as with the red filaments on the bird of paradise bush.

A pink petunia nestled in the snow might make an attractive Christmas card.

The additional moisture accented the plants, creating interesting patterns with water droplets.

The thorn on the branch of a purple robe locus trees stands out in sharp contrast against the light background, the near freezing temperature suspends a water drop that is too frigid to fall.

 

A stalk of Russian Sage wears a frosty hat.

The scattered light passing through the clouds creates a surreal, dreamy effect on the pampas grass.

 

Finding the conditions completely favorable in nature photography is often a huge challenge.  However, when things are just right it is a fun and rewarding experience to be out there and in the moment. 

Great news,  "November Montmartre", an exhibition of photographers from around the world has been extended through December 13th.  For mor information, please follow the link:

http://bonnierannald.blogspot.com/2012/11/bonnie-rannalds-photographic.html

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

Sign up and follow my blog to see where my next photo-adventure will be!

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

Many of these images are available on my website:

 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

No images on this blog are within Public Domain or are available for free download. 

 All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald. For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.

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Western Pigmy Blue Butterfly

North America's Smallest Butterfly 

During the early morning on October first, I was enjoying my coffee while sitting outside by a lantana bush when I noticed a tiny set of blue wings on one of the leaves.  A closer look revealed a very small Western Pigmy Blue Butterfly.  The western pigmy blue butterfly, Brephidium exilis is the smallest butterfly species in North America, with a wingspan that measures from 5 to 7 millimeters.

Preferring warm salty areas, the western pygmy blue can be found in the Southwestern States of Arizona, California, Nevada, New Mexico and Texas. Over the last few summers, I have noticed more of these butterflies which may be due to the increased levels of salinity in Walker Lake.

After changing my camera lens to the Nikon macro 150mm 2.8, I began taking close ups while the butterfly was still.  The air temperature was was cool and butterflies need the sunlight on their wings to warm-up before they can start to fly.

 When the sun rose higher in the sky the butterfly slowly stirred from its leaf and moved to the lantana flower.  As a reference to how small this butterfly is, the entire lantana flower only measures approximately 3 centimeters across.

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

Sign up and follow my blog to see where my next photo-adventure will be!

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

Many of these images are available on my website:

 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

No images on this blog are within Public Domain or are available for free download. 

 All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald. For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.

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The Painted Lady Butterfly

 Accenting the Fall Flowers

The warm seasonal temperatures of this fall in 2011 have been such a delight to just get out with the camera and see what shows up.  Over the last few weeks, I've noticed a large number of Painted Lady butterflies that are highlighting the sunflowers along my walkway.  All I've had to do was just set up my D90 with the Nikon 150mm 2.8 macro lens on the tripod and click away.  

The Painted Lady butterfly, Vanessa cardui, also known as the thistle butterfly or cosmopolitan is one of the most widespread of all butterfly species because it is found in temperate and tropical areas across the globe. 

The adult Painted Lady's open orange wings extend  around 2 1/2 inches, 5-6 cm and are accented with white, blue and black circles.  

When folded, the underside of the wing is a duller shade of gray and brown with the leading edge accented in a white bar and smaller white spots.  Four small eyespots are visible on the hind wing. 

 

Even with pieces missing from this Painted Lady's wings, it seems to have no trouble maneuvering and flying. 

Painted Lady on a Rabbit Bush, Chrysothamnus nauseosus, that is native to the Great Basin Desert and blooms from August through October.    

Since the life cycle of the Painted Lady butterfly is just a short two weeks, I will enjoy as much time as possible with these amazing creatures that flutter across my yard visiting each sunflower that is still in bloom.

For additional information:

http://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/lepidopt/nymph/plady.htm

http://www.earthsbirthday.org/butterflies

Photographs Make Great Gifts

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

Sign up and follow my blog to see where my next photo-adventure will be!

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

Many of these images are available on my website:

 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

No images on this blog are within Public Domain or are available for free download. 

 All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald. For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.

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The Mantis and Sphinx Moth

 The Arms of Death

Late one September afternoon when dusk was fast approaching, I was out in my yard and as I walked by the large desert willow tree, I heard a loud vibration of wings. I looked up on a higher branch that was covered in flowers and saw a sphinx moth frantically fluttering its wings.  When I took a closer look, I discovered that the moth was caught in the clutches of a preying mantis.  I found this quite amazing since the mantis was out-sized by the sphinx moth.

The sphinx moth, Sphingidae, is in the family of moths, Lepidoptera and is also known as hawk or hummingbird moths.   This moth can have a wingspan up to 3 inches (75mm) and is one of the fastest flying insects, reaching speeds of 30 mph, 50 km/h.  The body size of the moth and mantis are about equal at around 21/2 to 31/2 inches (65-90mm).

Wanting to catch this rare event with my camera, I quickly rushed in and changed to my Nikon 150mm 2.8 macro lens, ever aware of the fading light.  I set the D90 on Aperture priority at f/8 for depth of field and raised the ISO to 800 and fired the flash.  My shutter speed was indicating 1/60 second and I was afraid that it was not fast enough to freeze the wings and give me a sharp image.  Darkness was quickly replacing all light so I opened the aperture to f/5.6 and increased the ISO to 1600, at the same time fearful for digital noise that might ruin the photo. I guess when a photographer becomes desperate to get a photo they will go to any lengths. As a last resort, I had the light from my LED flashlight shining on the scene while I continued to fire the flash on my D90.

After processing the RAW images in Lightroom, I was pleasantly surprised with the quality and lack of digital noise from the higher ISO.

 

 To some, this may be a less than desirable scene to watch and take photos of a preying mantis eating a beautiful moth.  And yes, I had to overcome the tremendous desire to take the fluttering moth from death’s grip.  However as a wildlife and nature photographer, this is one occasion where I have to think with my logical brain and not my heart.  Nature has its balance and I am just an observer, I must always adhere to the principles of taking only photos and leaving only memories. 

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

Sign up and follow my blog to see where my next photo-adventure will be!

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

Many of these images are available on my website:

 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

No images on this blog are within Public Domain or are available for free download. 

 All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald. For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.

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Photographing Spider Webs

Nature's Weavings

A walk through the yard on a September morning with my D90 and Nikon 150mm 2.8 macro lens finds just the right type of lighting for photographing spider webs.

From my experience, early morning seems to have the best lighting to catch the sun's reflection on the delicate strands.  If you live in an area where there is humidity, you might also find drops of dew accenting the web, however this is a very rare phenomenon  in the high desert of Nevada.  

A wide aperture helps to blur the background so that the focus remains sharp on the web.  I find that auto focus does not work as well as manual focusing to bring out the small strands.

   

As with most of my macro, I will use a tripod which holds the camera steady so I can concentrate on setting up my shot for the best composition.

Firing the flash when the area is in shadows can bring out some interesting details.

Please remember when out photographing nature to take only photos and leave only memories.  Always be respectful of the creatures that make their home in the wild.

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

Sign up and follow my blog to see where my next photo-adventure will be!

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

Many of these images are available on my website:

 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

No images on this blog are within Public Domain or are available for free download. 

 All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald. For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.

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Cropping the Photograph

To Crop or Not to Crop

When I was first learning the basics about photography, I was taught to crop the scene within the camera by moving closer or changing physical position.  Zoom lenses were considered inferior so a serious photographer would only use a fixed length lens.  With advances in technology, zoom lenses became sharper which made it easier to crop in the camera.  As a last resort a certain amount of cropping could be done in the dark room, if the negative was sharp enough. 

Enter the digital age with processing software and voilà cropping is made so much easier.  However the original image still needs to be sharp and have the maximum number of pixels. 

So if we have a sharp image with 300ppi, how much do we crop.  With my Nikon D90 set for Image Quality: RAW, after processing I will have a finished photo that is 4288 X 3848 or 14.293" X 9.493", giving me a 34.9M file.  The photo will also be saved as a TIFF and not as a JPG.  And the difference between those two will be for a future blog. 

 The image size is especially crucial when you are cropping in on a photo to get a secondary clear sharp image. 

 Before the photo is cropped, a decision also may arise on whether it should be a vertical or horizontal.   By rotating the photo in Photoshop, I can get a good idea of which format would give the subject a more interesting appearance.   Once that decision is made, I will crop and re-size as needed.

One thing you must consider when cropping is how tight on the subject to go.  Leaving a neutral space around the subject creates a more pleasing image, otherwise the subject becomes confined.  An additional factor to consider if the photo will be framed  is to allow enough space so that the subject will not be confined or covered up with a mat.

Experimenting with cropping in Photoshop is fun and can be very rewarding when you find those hidden images in a photograph.

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

Sign up and follow my blog to see where my next photo-adventure will be!

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

Many of these images are available on my website:

 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

No images on this blog are within Public Domain or are available for free download. 

 All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald. For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.

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Photographing Butterflies

 The Illusive Butterfly

Trying to freeze the illusive butterfly in the lens of the camera can be both a rewarding and frustrating experience.  I was in southern New Mexico one summer when the Western Tiger Swallowtail butterflies were out in mass, feeding on the flowering thistles.  All I had to do was just stand nearby, clicking the shutter.

 

Western Tiger Swallowtail 

Most of the time, it is not so easy to get up close and the butterfly just refuses to be still.  Due to its survival instinct to flee from predators, the butterfly reacts to any movement, especially when the shadow from a moving body comes near.

Monarch

 

The time to photo a butterfly when it will remain still is in the early morning, before the sun catches its wings.  The butterfly’s metabolism slows down at night or when it is cool. In the early morning, the wings are spread to absorb heat before the butterfly can start moving them to begin feeding. 

Mourning Cloak

Having the camera on a tripod with a macro or telephoto lens allows you to get close to the butterfly and concentrate on the areas for sharp focus, which are the body and wings.

 Pygmy Blue

 By increasing the ISO, you can get a faster shutter speed in order to freeze the movement of the wings.  As in macro photography, I try and keep the lens parallel to the area of sharpest focus. 

Painted Lady

Frontal lighting is important to highlight the butterfly and bring out the accents and beautiful colors.

Pygmy Blue

Most often, if you remain still the butterfly will return to the nearby flower.  A little patience and preparation by pre-focusing on the flower also has given me good results.  I have heard that butterflies will not fly away if you wear dark clothes.  However I can not guarantee this since most times when I'm doing nature photography, I wear light, neutral colors.

 Zephyr Angelwing

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What an exciting and interesting photo-adventure this day has been.  I love it when I am drawn to an area and not knowing what to expect I get treated to new experiences. 

Sign up and follow my blog to see where my next photo-adventure will be!

Photography places me in the moment where I can share that moment in time. It becomes a life story as represented by my interaction with the scene. The happiness and beauty or the sorrow and strife; how I focus leaves a lasting impression that might touch the viewer on a spiritual level.

 "Reflecting Nature's Artistry" 

Many of these images are available on my website:

 http://www.bonnierannald.com/ 

For custom matted and framed images:
Off The Wall

No images on this blog are within Public Domain or are available for free download. 

 All rights reserved, world-wide and images protected by Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). All photography, graphics, text, design, and content is copyrighted by Bonnie Rannald and should not be copied, down-loaded, transferred and re-created in any way without the express consent, in writing to Bonnie Rannald. For information on Bonnie Rannald licensed, right-managed images, please submit a written request.

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