Behind the Shot- Buff-tip Moth
Welcome to a new blog and YouTube series- Behind the Shot! Every few weeks we will be taking a deep dive into my portfolio and selecting a new photograph to examine in closer detail, from subject, to equipment, composition and colouring nothing will be left out! To kick start this series we are going to begin with the Buff-tip Moth! One of my favourite insect portraits with an equally fun story behind the shot to match!
Interested in watching the video version of this article head over to YouTube for the full vlog!
The first Behind the Shot Photograph- A Buff-tip moth rests on a small branch
What is it?
Firstly, I thought it was important that with every photo in this series we start of with what actually is the subject, because a lot of my photography covers wildlife species not generally seen day to day, meaning sometimes it can be hard to know what we are actually looking at! So, this is a Buff-tip moth. A small moth species widespread across the UK, which at rest sits with it’s wings vertically against it’s body with two ‘buff’ areas at it’s head and tip of the forewings resembling a broken piece of twig. It’s wings are usually a mottled silvery colour similar to a silver birch tree. They tend to fly around after midnight, but can sometimes be seen during the day resting on trees or branches.
How was this photo taken?
This photo (and the two above) were all taken on the same occasion in a rather spur of the moment photography session. I was letting my Labrador outside when I looked down at our front door and noticed what I thought was a twig on the front panelling. After some gentle prodding I realised I’d found a buff-tip moth! And after getting over my initial excitement at seeing my favourite moth species for the first time in person- I got to work snapping these photographs.
What do I like/dislike about this shot?
I really like this shot, the close-up of the face really extenuates the camouflage of the head resembling a broken twig and the background colour really allows for the brightness of the moth to shine through.
However, this is not a perfect shot. To explain why I need to backtrack slightly and tell you that for me wildlife photography is more about the wildlife then it ever will be the photography. Seeing this moth species for myself was the best part of this experience and the photos just provided a happy bonus; BUT if I got a reshot at this photo I would switch the moth position around, currently the stick the moth is resting in takes up a lot of focus and you can’t see the beautiful silver camouflage of the wings. I’d change the camera position, bringing its body more into frame but still keeping the focus on the head which I feel would improve the photograph.
Love this photo as much as me?
The Buff-tip moth portrait is available in my shop as a small print! Perfect to show off one of the best moth species in the UK, or as a cute gift for your wildlife loving friends!
