Butterflies: Whites and Sulphurs

[Bob_B]

I spent an afternoon earlier this week wandering around the margins of a local lake teaming with insects, esp. butterflies. Here are a few images from my trek. These three butterflies are in the group referred to as Whites and Sulphurs (http://www.marylandbutterflies.com/). I may have misidentified them, so feel free to offer corrections, if you wish. Of course, C&C is most welcomed. Thanks, Bob

[churly]

Nice butterflies.  They always say that you need to get the eyes at sharp focus.  I have questioned this but I think these are perhaps good examples in which that is the case.  What do you think.Chuck

[Bob_B]

Thanks for your thoughts, Chuck. Ideally, I'd like everything in focus and sharp, but I prefer to sacrifice DOF for improved sharpness, i.e, lack of motion blur. Yes, when focusing I aim for the insect's eye, but butterflies move quickly, so it's pretty much luck as to what gets in focus. FWIW: these were taken with a Canon 100mm macro @f8.0 with an extension tube.

[churly]

Bob - Yes they are tough targets and I am generally satisfied when I can get something sharp but I still think that getting the eyes sharp makes them better.  Just my opinion.