I have to start with the disclaimer that I know nothing about butterflies except they are beautiful.
Perhaps that’s all I need to know.
I took this photo quite by accident, in that I didn’t initially see the butterfly, or frankly, even look in its direction. I was wandering around the farmers market in Charleston, looking at fruit. I wanted peaches and it seems everywhere I looked people were selling tomatoes. Big, juicy, red, fresh tomatoes, but that’s not what I wanted. I wanted peaches.
I passed a couple selling plants a couple of times as I picked my way through the growing morning crowd. The lens cap was back on the camera, and I let it dangle loosely as I resigned myself to people watching. And more tomatoes. Suddenly, the man caught my attention and called to me.
“Hey! You’re taking the wrong pictures. This is what you want to photograph.” He pointed to a nondescript plant. I made a face at him.
“Come close. You can’t see it from there.”
Are you kidding me? That’s the lamest sales pitch I’ve ever heard. And yet, I went closer. What can I say? I’m the sucker that kept P.T. Barnum in business.
Only, wait.
There was a beautiful butterfly perched on the plant. I had to get close up to see it and get a picture. I was fascinated by the coloring. The blue flecks along the spots are my favorite part — mostly because I’m partial to blue, but also because it triggered some long forgotten childhood memories. I used to love to draw, and that shade of blue and the dusky effect as it moves away from the orange spot was a favorite technique I’d use.
I took the picture. And now, I want to draw.
I can never get a good photo of a butterfly! This is gorgeous.
thanks! It just sat there. Amazing!
I love this accidental butterfly! and that it’s stirred the artist in you. Draw, draw, draw! On the same page as you write… close up and beautiful together. And Congratulations on your BadAss book!! – Pierr
Wow! Thanks for all those things 🙂
nice coloration on the butterfly. Great pic.
Thank you! It was a great surprise!
This is stunning. I’ve been hearing about coloring books for adults and this would make a nice photo to color. 🙂
Haha! Yes– is tear it out and put it on my refrigerator.
Well, it may have been a lame sales pitch, but I was just curious – did you buy anything from him, just for pointing you towards this beautiful subject? 😀
That’s a fair question. He was selling plants and I was traveling for business. I did have a wonderful conversation with them, and my photography certainly brought in some interested bystanders that may have purchased plants :).
Lovely photo
thank you!
My hat is off to you! I don’t have the patience for insect photos – they move too quickly or I move to slowly. I am not certain which, but I can never get a good photo of an insect. That’s why I was impressed with my daughter O, she took all the photos on up close for me. Have a great week and enjoy the peaches
Thanks. That butterfly was just patient!!!!
Beautiful pic! You should go ahead with that drawing you want to make, too. 🙂
Yes! I think I will! Thanks for the encouragement.
Nicely done – butterflies seldom wait for you!
Right? This one was seriously chilling. It stayed there for quite a while — and a few other folks came over to get some pictures, too. I guess it enjoyed the photo shoot!
🙂 This is an amazing butterfly. I’ve never seen one in these colors!
Have a very HAPPY weekend 🙂
Thanks! I love that blue…
Enjoy your week, too.
Beautiful Picture! Pleasantly captured! I’m so glad you shared! Thank You! Have a wonderful week!
The story is as charming as the butterfly is lovely. Thanks! I needed a sweet break just now.
Thanks. I like to tell stories 🙂
Thank you for your visit. 🙂 A beautiful picture of a butterfly marvelous in color level