What Do You Want?

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Posted in Copper, Neve Ativ, Israel

Copper Butterfly photographed by Jeff Zablow at Neve Ativ, Israel

A friend and butterfly photographer suggested today that I consider revamping my blog goals, and begin chronicling where and when you and I see butterflies, west of the Mississippi River. She pointed out that audiences change and people seek new formats and new sharing.

I chewed on that for some time after. The suggestion went on to ask me to think about becoming more involved with butterfly groups and their web sites. And more. Provocative stuff that. True enough that when we began wingedbeauty.com, we had fewer than 30 “Followers” and we now boast several hundred. I do sometimes recall some early followers, who no longer come and see what we share. Many of the newer followers do not seek to interact or pursue discussion with me, their visits are shorter and I’m not so sure I know what that means.

So, what do you want here? I can tell you that I responded to her at length, with some of my early and ongoing goals. I started photographing butterflies seriously, some 25 years ago. From that time forward, my primary goals were to score and share images of butterflies that were more pleasing to the eye than the photos in the best of the butterfly field guides. I am pleased that I have realized that goal, many times.

I wanted to bring photos of butterflies to people who might not otherwise ever see them, and I really really wanted my captures to look just like the butterflies do in real time, in the field. I spend hundreds of hours each year in wild habitat, and my eyes know what they looked like when I found them. That is the primary reason that I shoot film, Fuji Velvia slide film, ASAS 50 mostly. The color is so true.

My most critical goal is to remind. Remind y’all that the beauty of a fresh butterfly, like this one, met in a meadow bordering the Neve Ativ village, on the slope of mighty Mt. Hermon in the Israeli Golan, far exceeds the best craftsmanship ever to come out of the workshops of Cartier, Tiffany, Van Cleef & Arpels . . .

G-d fashions these winged beauties, and H-s work is exquisite.

So, then, what do you want when you pay us your visit?

Jeff

6 thoughts on “What Do You Want?”

  1. I like simplicity. When indicating a ‘like’ on ur blog, another window pops up for comments. This process takes too long and discourages me from posting. Sometimes I just like looking at ur photos of unique butterflies w/o posting a comment. They r always lovely

    Liked by 1 person

    • ‘Simplicity’ is the unanticipated challenge, when what we see so moves us to wondrous destinations of the mind. Thank you, for when you characterize my images as “lovely,” I know how earned that is. Thanks.

      Like

  2. I read your blogs as you post them and used to comment to them but when I go to post them they often do not post and I finally got so frustrated that I seldom try to comment anymore even though I am regular reader. I wonder often if others have experienced the same computer glitch and no longer comment.
    I personally want you to continue your engaging posts, as I live vicariously through adventures in field work and especially the times I was privileged to accompany you on trails and field trips.
    I think the bigger question is what you want to achieve with the blog. Right now you have enough posts to publish a very engaging book that you could share with a broader audience. And your photos are so breathtaking and would make a lovely coffee table book that would draw people in, especially people who do not spend a great deal of time on the computer. Personally I much prefer reading a hard copy over reading online.

    The bigger question in my mind is what you personally want to achieve by your writing. As long as you wait for acknowledgement from the big “mucky mucks” you will be disappointed and question if your blog is successful in the way you yearn for at times. Follow your dream but appreciate the followers that you do have even though many of us come from humble means and live less sophisticated lives than people who have made a name for themselves in the lepidopteris world.
    Just my thoughts on the subject , no disrespect to you is meant by my honest opinion.

    Liked by 1 person

    • I had hoped that several of those who visit regularly would share their feedback here. I am so glad that you did, and I score you as one of America’s finest naturalists, I do.

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Personally, I enjoy your short “story memories” of the butterflies you shoot. I like hearing what’s in your mind and I like your interesting writing style. You are personal, informative and a little silly at times… I find that refreshing!

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