During a recent trip to Panama, I spent a few days in a small town called Las Lajas. It was really small–as in, it had just a store or two, a handful of restaurants (mostly closed due to it being rainy season), a couple farms, a cemetery and a lovely beach nearby that required a taxi to get there.
Since there was little to do, I took some nice walks and simply enjoyed the time at my hotel (La Finca Buena Vista) and out in nature.
What: A Butterfly, Nibbling on Nectar
One day, when returning to my hotel, I spotted this butterfly nibbling on nectar. It was so beautiful, I just had to photograph it.
Panamanian Butterfly, Las Lajas, Panama. (c) L Egle, 2012. All rights reserved.
I wasn’t sure I’d be able to get the shot; butterflies often fly away before you even turn on your camera. But this butterfly, like the people in Las Lajas, was in no rush to be anywhere else. It was in the moment, enjoying some nectar.
Photographic Details
I used my Olympus X-Z 1, an advanced point and shoot, which has an F 1.8 lens. I had the F stop open as far as possible and the lens extended out to 128 mm to create the blur. ISO: 100; f 2.5; 24 mm wide angle; 1/1000 second.
Your Experience?
Do you like to photograph insects, birds, etc.? Or do you find them to be a bit elusive and difficult to capture photographically? Do you sometimes not even try? If you do, what sort of camera do you use and which setting do you prefer? Do you have a super fast lens that makes it possible?