when I used a proper camera

I have a Canon EOS 600D. Nothing grand but I used to take decent photos. Then neck/shoulder/back aches put a stop to that. I had a phone that took shots I liked but I dropped it out of a window trying to photograph a bird. So I have a cheap and nasty one now. Maybe just in the garden I could go back to the old camera which is gathering dust on a shelf.

Wow! - a Swallowtail. Lucky you. I've never seen one in the UK.

I'm jealous of the swallowtail too! I saw one here very fleetingly last year but wasn't able to get a shot - very lucky you!

Please do try using your camera in the garden at least, I'd love to see more of your shots, especially if they are anything like that.

I'd love to see your shots too

You are very kind. Unfortunately swallow tails have become scarce here too ... and I had to prune the buddleia very hard this year.

Beautiful shot!
I had no idea they were scarce across the pond, they're one of the most plentiful butterflies in my region.

I just want to say, Coccinella, I love the way the buddleia creates a frame of sorts in that photo. Small details like that are what turns a photograph into a piece of art. I feel like most people are so focused on the subject they forget the other 90% of the photo. I love everything about this photo - the DOF, the subject off center, the leaves hanging down in the white space...it's really fantastic.