This past Saturday, I stood in Wheaton, Maryland’s Brookside Gardens waiting to take butterfly photographs. Joy flooded through me to such an extent that I was almost moved to tears.
Though it was only 7:00 in the morning, hummingbirds and bumble bees were already swarming the sea of Technicolor blossoms. The air sparkled with freshness rare for late August in this area, inviting a deeply energizing inhale and grounding exhale.
I had jumped at the chance to take part in Capital Photography Center’s class at Brookside’s Wings of Fancy Live Butterfly and Caterpillar Exhibit. Though I have introduced many pollinator-attracting plants to my garden over the years, work and summer travel have pulled me away from the butterfly party in my own back yard.
I embraced my sense of happiness while listening to our instructor share tips and tricks of the trade before we entered the butterfly pavilion. My curiosity extended through the instruction and beyond, resting finally on the power of simply showing up for a passion-feeding opportunity.
It was my first Saturday as an empty nester. I was not only doing something I loved to do, but I was learning to be better at it. I had let go of the expectation that I should be able to take all of my floral and nature photos in my own garden.
I had given myself permission to grow.
If I had to choose one word for the source of my joy, it would be this: fulfillment.
Which Are Your Favorite Butterfly Photographs?
Your feedback will help me select images for new wall art and note card selections! Share in the comments or reply to this email with your input. Thanks in advance for your help!
Thanks so much for your help!! Once I make my choices they will be available for purchase as wall art and notecards on www.damselwingsphotography.com (also accessible by clicking on the photography tab on the homepage of this website).
If you are local, save the date October 21st, when I’ll be hosting an in-home art show. Plenty of time to place orders to spruce up your home and have gifts ready in time for the holidays! Stay tuned for more details!
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Ike says
My What Big Eyes You Have is the most surprising shot to me. I normally focus on the color and wing details (love Royal Blue for that reason). The butterfly’s tongue and the flecks of pollen on it makes it an intriguing shot and I relate differently to this animal.
Martha Brettschneider says
Thanks for the feedback, Ike. I love that shot too! :-) With gratitude, Martha
Dana says
Tiger Longwings is my favorite
Martha Brettschneider says
Thank you Dana!! NOTED!! :-) With gratitude, Martha
Donna says
Tiger Longwing has my vote
with Royal Blue a close second :))
Martha Brettschneider says
Thanks so much for your votes, Donna!! With gratitude, Martha <3
Eva Sherwood says
Sorry Martha, I can’t pick just one so here are two favorites of mine.
“Mournful Owl” caught my attention because it is so different and even though it lacks bright colors, it’s markings give it beauty.
Then there is “”Royal Blue” whose colors simply “knocked my socks off .” Amazing !!
Thank you so much for sharing all of your phenomenal gifts of writing and photography with us!
Love, Aunt Eva
Martha Brettschneider says
Much appreciated, Eva, and thanks for the kind words! With gratitude, Martha
Cathy Matchette says
Pipevine Swallowtail, Paperkite, Tiger Swallowtail, Grecian Shoemaker, and My What Big Eyes You Have. I cannot narrow it down more than that!
Kerry says
Awesome, Martha! I love Royal Blue for the colors and I love My What Big Eyes You Have because it’s just so different and cool!
Mia Gardiner says
Paperkite — I have never seen that kind of a black and white butterfly – fascinating markings – and the combination with the flowers is stunning.
Also the Tiger Swallowtail on the flower in your garden …… the orange spots on the wings were painted to go with the orange in the very middle of the flower…… or is it the other way around !
Sorry for such a late reply. For some reason this e-mail went into my spam box! Will try to make sure that doesn’t happen again. As always…. wonderful photos. Mia