When the Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly (Papilio glaucus) that I was chasing at Riverbend Park flew into some vegetation, I thought that I had lost it. Suddenly and almost magically the butterfly’s shadow was revealed on a large leaf as it moved about. I was thrilled to be able to capture the swallowtail shadow as well as a small portion of the butterfly itself.
It’s usually best to shoot with the sun at your back, but it worked out well in this case for me to violate that “rule.”
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved
Mike Powell 
That’s cool Mike! Different way of looking at a butterfly!
It’s always fun to look for new perspectives on familiar subjects. In this case it was simply a matter of capturing what I was seeing at that moment.
And in this case that shadow is as clear as day.
I should say so. That’s a great image — very appealing. I especially like that you captured just a bit of the butterfly itself.
Thanks. I love the way that the butterfly seems to be peeking over the edge of the leaf. The shadow is cool, but I think the image is better because of the sliver of the butterfly.
I love this unusual take on a natural history photograph. Well seen and well taken.
Thanks, Laura.