Comment from suffolkbrian
good one of this butterfly and dof is really good background is a bit bright [maybe a very sunny day] but doesnot effect overall impact of this one....Brian

 Comment Written 18-Apr-2025

---

reply by the author on 18-Apr-2025

Thanks, Brian, I’ll take another look at it and see, I shot it early morning in indirect light.

reply by suffolkbrian on 18-Apr-2025

you are welcome

Comment from ABG Photography
This really deserves a 6, but I'm all out unfortunately. It is a beautiful composition.Terrific lighting, stunning bold colors, very sharp imagery, terrific placement of focal point, and well framed. Best of luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 16-Apr-2025

---

reply by the author on 18-Apr-2025

Thank you so very much!

Comment from Jewell McChesney
Love this beautiful image of the monarch butterfly feasting on the pretty purple thistle. Sounds like you have a lot of fun capturing portals of these beauties. Great job!

 Comment Written 16-Apr-2025

---

reply by the author on 18-Apr-2025

thank you, yes, i really enjoy photographing them,they are my favorite butterfly!

Comment from Lynnmarie2
Time for spring! Monarchs are the semblance of spring in my opinion. The image is well taken, nice clarity and focus. Overall a nice presentation. Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 16-Apr-2025

---

reply by the author on 18-Apr-2025

Many thanks!

Comment from Maureen Woychyshyn
I love that you're rearing beautiful butterflies. We really need more of themI'm afraid. Composition shades tones colours and presentation is extremely well done. I wish I could award you a six.

 Comment Written 16-Apr-2025

---

reply by the author on 18-Apr-2025

thanks so very much; I’ve been rearing.. them almost every year since I was a kid.

reply by Maureen Woychyshyn on 18-Apr-2025

That is amazing!!

Comment from Len Shood
Lovely shot of this butterfly, he certainly looks sharp. Insects (all animals in fact) make great efforts to avoid me when I'm carrying a camera. The colours are superb and the composition isn't half bad either. Good luck in the competition.

 Comment Written 16-Apr-2025

---

reply by the author on 18-Apr-2025

Many thanks, I tend to have that problem with birds and dragonflies,lol!

Comment from nikman
A good looking image posted here into the competition! Your fine, full and appropriate composition offers us a very enjoyable view of the visitor and the visited. Your have certainly packed in a lot of good colours into it. Exposure and sharpness are fine. Well done and good luck!

 Comment Written 16-Apr-2025

---

reply by the author on 18-Apr-2025

thanks so much!

Comment from seshadri_sreenivasan
Absolutely! The grain, clarity, colours and light in this photo give it a classic, almost cinematic feel. A masterful play between light and shadow. Well done! Good luck!

 Comment Written 16-Apr-2025

---

reply by the author on 18-Apr-2025

thanks for the lovely review!

Comment from orchidrn
A beautiful shot of this monarch butterfly. Beautiful colors, focus and clarity shown here. So, if I understand your narrative correctly, they are less mobile until they warm up and can be manipulated to stay in places they are placed?

 Comment Written 15-Apr-2025

---

reply by the author on 18-Apr-2025

Thanks so much; yes, the are cold blooded and are less likely to fly off if it’s cooler out, staying put and allowing me to pick them up and place them somewhere else for a different shot.

Comment from alaskapat
This is just lovely , the position of this monarch butterfly on the thistle flower is perfect. The butterfly is beautiful and stands out so well .i like the thistle plant too .
Beautifully photographed with shallow depth of field .spot on focus, this image is sharp and clear and your exposure is perfect.
Colors and tones appear natural. Well composed and presented! Very best wishes yo you in this contest!

 Comment Written 15-Apr-2025

---

reply by the author on 18-Apr-2025

many thanks for the wonderful review and extra star, as well as your well wishes, Pat!