Monarch Butteryfly
Kodak HIE with Red 25 Filter – October 2007
I recently moved to an apartment in Boxborough Massachusetts. While preparing for the move, I unearthed a few boxes that contained books, notebooks, prints, and negatives from college. I have been searching for infrared negatives that I made while in school off an on since I started packing my things. I knew there were strips of negatives that I knew came out well, but I did not get a chance to print them in the darkroom or scan them in before graduation. At the time, I might have been able to complete my assignment by printing up a select few and shelving the rest. With deadlines approaching, I printed the shots, turned in the prints, and moved onto the next assignment. It was so cool to see the contact sheets again, and relive some of the shoots. This particular shot stuck out to me because I remember parking my jeep and photographing a tree in the middle of a field. A moment later, I saw a monarch butterfly pass by me and go fluttering down the road. Enticed by the idea of capturing a butterfly with infrared film, I chased it. If you have never chased a butterfly, I suggest working on cardio before doing so. I soon learned two things. The first thing was that butterflies do not fly in any sort of pattern or straight line. I probably looked like I was being shot at and was making comic attempts to dodge each bullet. The second thing was that I needed to work out more. I kept running after it, pause when it landed, sneak up, get the camera ready and it would take off again. I would then give chase, and repeat the process. I eventually managed to chase it down, and steady myself long enough to take a photograph. This post is dedicated to that butterfly who taught me how to run around like an idiot in public, and work on my sprinting skills at the same time.