Great advice. Thanks. Backgrounds. Got it. Hadn't really thought about the backgrounds... I will definitely continue to post (I didn't donate money just to stop posting... :) ) I'll have to make sure and post some of the pictures I have that were later in the day and have better lighting.
Hmm, Morgan, good question. I am not so much an advocate of using PS to make serious changes on an image. PS can be your friend, but especially at the beginning, it should take a backseat to learning how to get the most out of the camera itself.
Now...of course I have seriously used PS some photos in my own portfolio. In this case of this shot, cloning or burning in some of the overly bright spots would benefit the image.
However, I really think that for most new photographers, the best way to learn and improve is to take the feedback you get from your images and apply them to new shots. My main message is that you not worry about fixing this image, but simply think about these issues when you shoot again.
I hope you also understand that there are many nice elements of this image. The colorful butterfly is posed in a lovely way, and the antennae are sharp in just the right way. My advice is to keep the background in mind the next time you shoot.
Usefilm is a great place to learn. I hope you keep posting, and mostly that you continue to enjoy photography.
So If I were to attempt to rectify this particular image in PS, what should I do? Desaturate some of the foreground (the washed out flowers) and darken the leaves?
Morgan, welcome to Usefilm. I see that you have only been shooting photos for a month, so you did a nice job with this butterfly. You have asked for feedback on your images. I am unsure what kind of feedback would be most helpful, but will tell you my impressions of this image.
The subject is pretty sharp, which is important when you are photographing subjects this small. The main challenge is the background, which is distracting. The two bright leaves in the background and the blown out leaf at the bottom pull the viewer's attention away from the subject.
One photographer on this site that does an amazing job with a variety of insects and other subjects is Ronnie Gaubert. Check out his portfolio. The background on his images is always as carefully shot as the main subject. Study his portfolio to learn how to do more photography like this.
0 
{K:17558} 6/2/2005