Taking great pictures usually involves being in the right place at the right time. Then add the right lighting, good subject material and a little luck...and you just might get the perfect shot! 'Never happens to you', you say--not to worry, there are ways to ensure that you will get some fantastic pictures of your butterfly release.

Here is one of the best tricks used for butterfly photography. Whether you are planning a mass release or an individual release, follow this simple strategy. When you order your butterflies, ask for one or two butterflies to be shipped seperately in glassine envelopes ( if they aren't being shipped that way already ) and set them aside from your other release butterflies. Keep them chilled in the insulated shipping box until just before the pictures are to be taken. Then remove them from the box. They will be sleepy and somewhat docile. This is when you can place them on a flower arrangement, the bride's bouquet, the groom's lapel...you get the idea. They will slowly open and close their wings until they warm up which makes for a wonderful photo opportunity! You will have to hurry though, it doesn't take long for them to warm up and fly away. You generally have about a minute or less before they will get the urge to fly. If you're lucky they will stick around and sample some of the nectar from the bride's bouquet or maybe even a taste of cake and punch that may be on your hand.

A mass release offers some unique photo opportunities of its own. This is the time to have the video cameras rolling. Try to have your subject framed in the center of the shot. A low angle works well, but don't get too far away or you will miss the best details of the butterfly release. If a high speed camera is available, this is a great time to use it. Set the camera to it's highest frame per second setting and start shooting as the release begins.The picture sequence you will capture will be worth the effort.

Whatever method you use to capture the beauty of your live butterfly release, it will surely be an event to be remembered for everyone. So, enjoy your live butterfly release and with some planning and a little luck, you can capture the moment... and the moment will be truly magical!