Picture of the Day - July 25, 2000

Another gorgeous Monarch butterfly

Photo courtesy of Robert Schwarztrauber.                 (Click on the photo for a larger view) A couple of days ago I featured a photo of a beautiful Monarch butterfly, and as luck would have it frequent contributor Robert Schwarztrauber submitted one very similar to it later that same evening. This gives us a chance to enjoy two of these gorgeous creatures virtually back-to-back. Although the composition is a little different between the two images, in my opinion they are both worthy of a place on a museum wall. Legendary photographer Ansel Adams once said "There are no rules for a great photograph, there are only great photographs". And these two absolutely stunning photos of virtually identical subjects sure proves that point. Besides if we all thought alike and worked alike, the world would be a very boring place indeed. Here are a few words from Mr. Schwarztrauber about this great capture: "This past Saturday was the 2nd Annual Worldwide Photo Walk. This year they reported 32,600 participants in 900 communities across the world. It's a chance for community photographers, pro and amateurs, to get together and explore their local towns, take photos and share ideas. Plus the two hour walk is really great exercise! While I didn't feel any of my photos were contenders for the worldwide prize competition, I did enjoy snapping a few shots of this Monarch Butterfly in one of the beautiful gardens along the route."    --Robert Schwarztrauber The camera and settings used to capture this image: Camera: Nikon D40 Focal length: 200mm Shutter speed: 1/1000 second Aperture: f/8 Exposure compensation: -1 step   Visit Robert Schwarztrauber's outstanding Photoshop blog for a plethora of powerful Photoshop tips, tricks and techniques.     Visitor Comments... Name: Andrea Goss Town: Hōnaunau, HI Well I would say thins photograph should easily be a contender in any competition. Like Mr. Rouse said...Gorgeous!!!!     Name: Earl Lambert Town: Mesa, AZ Both of the Monarch photos published here are simply magnificent. Great captures of one of God's most beautiful creatures. You did rather well on your walk Mr. Schwarztrauber! I have been following your work for some time now. I LOVE your Photoshop tutorial site. I visit it at least 2 or 3 times a week to see what wonderful little tips I can learn next. Thank you so much for sharing your expertise with us "serious amateurs".     Name: Charlie Oglethorpe Town: Oakland, CA Yes, it really is amazing how two photographers can shoot the same subject in different ways and both of them will turn out great. Mr. Schwarztrauber, this is a magnificent shot.     Name: Patricia Laney Town: Steubenville, OH Very nice shot. Butterflies are among my favorite subjects to photograph, but mine never turn out as good as this one.     Name: Ed Morrison Town: Dunwoody, GA This image is now the background on my computer desktop. Love it!   Comment on today's picture  |  View previous "Pictures Of The Day"  |  Submit a photo Why I publish the "Picture Of The Day"