smithsonian

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Smithsonian Natural History Museum Butterfly Pavilion

by Tim Pennington on Jan.27, 2010, under Uncategorized

Natural History Museum Butterfly Pavilion

I took my family down to D.C today and we visited the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. We basically went for two reasons, 1) to see the Butterfly Pavilion and 2) to see the Nature’s Best Photography 2009 Exhibit. I was extremely impressed with both.

The Butterfly Pavilion is maybe 500 sq feet filled with plants, flowers and butterflies. The butterflies are obviously very used to people strolling through and are not shy about posing for photographers. Unfortunately, no tripods are allowed. However, I was still able to come out with some pretty sharp images since the pavilion is very well lit and you are allowed to use flash. If you go to the pavilion during the winter, be sure to make sure your camera and lens are nice and warm or have a lens cloth handy — the temperature and humidity in the pavilion will quickly condense on the front of your lens.

Natural history Museum Butterfly Pavilion

The Natures Best Photography 2009 exhibit was amazing. This is the 2nd year we have visited the exhibit and I always come away inspired and humbled by the amazing talent and dedication that it took to create those images. If you go, and I encourage you to go, be sure to check out the Youth Photographer of the Year winner, Alex Mody, from nearby Vienna Virginia. His image of a Barred owl is amazing.