Unbelievable macro photography of butterflies captured just using sprays of water

A HIGH school student creates stunning pictures of butterflies against a magical background using just sprays of water

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Etienne sprays water to enhance the blurred areas to create an atmospheric image

Swiss born photographer, Etienne Francey, waited patiently to capture each atmospheric moment without the insect taking flight.

The 19-year-old sprayed water to enhance the blurred areas and partly covered the camera lens to produce the flared moons, creating striking images that celebrate familiar butterflies.

These pictures were taken during the summer of 2015, in Couusset, Switzerland.

Taken during the summer of 2015, Francey cycled around his village in Couusset, Switzerland looking for butterflies to photograph

For Etienne it was important to capture the shots first thing in the morning or late at night.

He said: “As I still have no driving licence, I went by bicycle to make these photos of butterflies. They were all taken in my village, in the countryside, through the fields of tall grass.

Francey said: “For certain photos, I vaporise some water in the background to get the small circles and flares that you see in the background of the photo"

“Butterflies are motionless during the early hours as the dew on their wings prevent them from flying, and in the evening, because they are ready to sleep.

“The first step for me is to find a butterfly perched in a good area.

For Etienne it was important to capture the shots first thing in the morning or late at night as this is when the insects are most still

“Then, I have to approach it really slowly, without making any fast movements.

“For certain photos, I vaporise some water in the background to get the small circles and flares that you see in the background of the photo.

Etienne said: “These photos show that we can see a diversity of species of butterflies, even around our homes"

“In one hand I hold the water spray, and in the other the camera flash. To have the good photo, it takes around two hours. It is important to be patient, but to also have a very patient subject.

“These photos show that we can see a diversity of species of butterflies, even around our homes. Unfortunately, this diversity is declining because of the activities of the man. It is a very fragile balance.