For me, a butterfly garden is a great place to take a break, marvel and, of course, take beautiful photos's. There is something magical about all those butterflies meekly flying around you. I think butterflies are a gift from nature: their shapes, colours, way of moving and their life cycle. The wonder I feel takes me back to my childhood for a moment.
Meanwhile, I try to photograph the butterflies without getting too close, without disturbing them too much. After 15 minutes, I have already taken over 80 pictures's, half of which the butterfly just flies out of frame. This is top sport! I decide to take a break and sit on a bench. Suddenly, one flies in my direction and takes a seat on the leaf next to me with its wings closed. The moment I very carefully raise my camera, it unfolds its wings on the leaf. See for yourself: a present.
                                
 
                                 Ballflower - Flowers and plantsPatty de Graaf
Ballflower - Flowers and plantsPatty de Graaf Helenium - Flowers and plantsPatty de Graaf
Helenium - Flowers and plantsPatty de Graaf Drops on leaves - Flowers and plantsPatty de Graaf
Drops on leaves - Flowers and plantsPatty de Graaf Sun hat - Flowers and plantsPatty de Graaf
Sun hat - Flowers and plantsPatty de Graaf Western crimson berry - Flowers and plantsPatty de Graaf
Western crimson berry - Flowers and plantsPatty de Graaf Silverspur - Flowers and plantsPatty de Graaf
Silverspur - Flowers and plantsPatty de Graaf Blue butterflyPatty de Graaf
Blue butterflyPatty de Graaf Colourful butterfly on leafPatty de Graaf
Colourful butterfly on leafPatty de Graaf DandelionPatty de Graaf
DandelionPatty de Graaf Dandelion red glowPatty de Graaf
Dandelion red glowPatty de Graaf Autumn leafPatty de Graaf
Autumn leafPatty de Graaf