Pale Swallowtail (Papilio eurymedon) in flight at Coyote Hills, captured with Canon R5 Mark II and EF 85mm f/1.8. ISO 4000, f/6.3, 1/8000 sec.
Date: June 1, 2025
Light Notes on Photographing a Butterfly in Flight
The afternoon was bright and clear—ideal conditions for photographing a butterfly in flight. Sunlight spilled across golden grass and a saturated blue sky, creating natural contrast and crispness. With light this sharp, every tiny detail and movement was easy to isolate—if you could catch it.
About the Butterfly
On this outing, I believe I encountered a Pale Swallowtail (Papilio eurymedon), a common sight in the East Bay’s open spaces. Butterflies like these are not just beautiful—they’re vital pollinators and indicators of a healthy ecosystem. Coyote Hills is home to over 30 butterfly species, including Monarchs and Orange Sulfurs, making it a fantastic spot for both photographers and nature lovers.
If you’re curious about local butterflies, here’s a handy guide from the East Bay Regional Park District.
The Challenge of Capturing a Butterfly in Flight
I saw the butterfly in flight —a flicker of yellow weaving erratically through the field. I used the camera’s pre-shooting and eye-tracking features, which helped me lock focus as the butterfly darted from flower to flower. The high shutter speed froze the motion, and burst mode increased my chances of getting a sharp shot.
Butterflies fly in a zigzag to evade predators. Their irregular path isn’t random—it’s survival.
Eventually, the camera locked on. I fired a burst. Out of many moments, one frame stood out: the butterfly mid-air, wings stretched, framed against open sky and fading wildflowers.
Why This Butterfly in Flight Shot Works
- It captures a rare, unscripted moment in nature—a butterfly in flight, frozen in motion
- The composition leaves open space around the subject, adding visual breath
- Though the wildflowers weren’t in top shape, their yellow echoes the butterfly’s wings, adding cohesion
Post-Processing
- Canon in-camera resolution enhancement (180MP mode)
- Cropped to ~10MP to better frame the butterfly
- Minor edits: contrast, color balance, and sharpness—kept it natural
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Tips for Photographing Butterflies in Flight
- Use a fast shutter speed (1/4000 sec or faster).
- Enable burst mode to increase your chances.
- Try eye-tracking autofocus if your camera supports it.
- Be patient and observe butterfly behavior to anticipate their movements.
- Consider a longer lens for more reach without disturbing your subject.
Reflection
Some subjects don’t come to you.
You see them first.
And then you follow.
Capturing a butterfly in flight is part instinct, part luck, and part relentless effort. But the reward is a single frame that tells a fleeting story of movement and stillness.
Learn More
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Butterflies of Coyote Hills Regional Park (East Bay Regional Park District)
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Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA) Identification Tools
An interactive tool for identifying butterflies and moths by region, color, size, and more. -
Study Reveals the Secrets of Butterfly Flight (Smithsonian Magazine)
A summary of recent research explaining why butterfly flight appears so erratic and how their wing mechanics help them evade predators.
Conservation Note
Butterflies are facing challenges from habitat loss and climate change. If you enjoy photographing them, consider supporting local conservation efforts or planting native flowers to help these pollinators thrive.