Set Free

"Set Free"

A time-lapse transformation of a black swallowtail caterpillar into a chrysalis. (Photographer Tips)

This time-lapse shows the incredible process of a black swallowtail caterpillar transforming into his chrysalis. It is such a neat process to watch. Make sure the volume is on as I set it to music!

For photographer wanting helpful tips for photographing a time lapse, I will share a few of my observations. Knowing when the caterpillar is almost ready to break out of his caterpillar shell can be a guessing game unless you know a few helpful hints.

Here is the timeline of events for this caterpillar:

1) He purged his food - it basically looks like diarrhea. 7/25 @ 5:22 p.m.

2) He started attaching to the bamboo stick 7/26 at 9:15 a.m.

3) He began the visible transformation of his chrysalis @ 5:21 and was finished transforming @ 5:25

Hints to know when the transformation is about to begin: The first thing I begin to notice is the caterpillar's sections began to elongate. He began to wiggle more and more moving the sections fo his body up and down. The top clear band at the top of his head will begin to show the green chrysalis underneath. It looks like a bumpy sponge.

The bottom sections of his body will appear a tad thinner as the chrysalis moves up. The key evidence for me to know if it is almost finished is a white ligament type structure appears on the side of his body. I don't know what this is called. I am making a big assumption to guess this aides the outer shell of the caterpillar to be moved down. The caterpillar's shell will split near the top and once the shell is shed, it falls off.

For shooting, I used a light to illuminate the caterpillar and also used a very cheap flash with limited controls. I took a photograph every 10 seconds for the duration using the in-camera time-lapse setting. 

I started shooting once I saw the body elongate and more consistent movement. I can't remember my exact settings. I know I shot @ f/7.1.

In the distance, I used a colored green cloth and attached it to a foam board for a nice background. I used Final Cut Pro X to edit the time-lapse. 

This is only the third chrysalis I have watched transform. I am still learning myself. If I can help you, please leave a comment:) 

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If interested, my photography can be found here:

Wildlife and Nature Photography Website: https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

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Thank you! ~ Judy

New Beginnings

"New Beginnings”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

Little did I know this day would change dramatically for me. All I wanted was a few black swallowtail caterpillars from my friend. I left her house with five and accidentally bought one when I purchased parsley for them to eat.

So much of my time and attention have gone into these little fellows as I have cared for them in my house. I wasn’t planning on them staying in my house. That’s just how it worked out.

I bought parsley, and dill, and put them into an enclosure surrounded by tulle so they wouldn’t wander around in my house.

Two caterpillars have successfully turned into a chrysalis. I tried doing a timelapse for the first time and actually captured good footage of the transformation. The video will be published later.

 The hard part was having to bury two in my front yard. I know they are just caterpillars, but it was difficult knowing they died.

I have two caterpillars that still haven’t transformed. I am looking forward to watching them transform into a chrysalis and watching the other turn into a beautiful butterfly. God’s nature is so amazing!!  

To view my time-lapse video of the black swallowtail caterpillar changing into its chrysalis, please visit my YouTube link by clicking here.

To purchase wildlife and nature fine art prints, please visit my website:

https://www.judyroyalglennphotography.com

Cedar

“Cedar”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

Meet Cedar, a great horned owl. He is a part of Callaway Garden’s Birds of Prey program. Callaway educational program features birds that cannot be released in the wild because they have been injured or have been imprinted by humans.

Cedar and his sister Juniper fell from a nest and were orphaned. I photographed Juniper previously, so it is neat to photograph Cedar. I am very thankful Callaway provides them such a great home.

To view the photo of his sister Juniper, click here.

Location: Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Georgia

Spotless

“Spotless”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

The lotus flower was believed by the Egyptians to symbolize rebirth. The flower emerges from the murky water, yet it stays spotless—undefiled by its environment.

Rebirth for a person only comes from having a personal relationship with the Lord. One must confess and repent their sins, believe that Jesus died for their sins, and ask Him to be Lord of their lives. It’s the best decision you will ever make!

Location: Perry's Water Gardens, Franklin, North Carolina

No Reply

“No Reply”

Judy Royal Glenn Photography

I loved watching this Bobwhite quail calling while I was at Perry’s Water Gardens in Franklin, North Carolina. The sad part is he heard no reply.

A  young couple sought to find him when they found out on eBird that he was in the area.

The lady that works at the garden thinks he may have escaped from somewhere because he was so tame.

Aren't he and his song so cute?