Butterfly blues

When the suggestion of photographing butterflies first thing in the morning, close to the longest day of the year, was first mentioned, I knew that it would be an early start! After a rather shocking 3.30am wake-up call to meet macro and landscape photographer Neil Burnell on location at 4.45am, it is a wonder either of us can find the words to say good morning, let alone go hunting for insects.

I’m meeting Neil at the top of the quarry on the nature reserve at Berry Head, near Brixham in Devon. It’s not only home to many butterfly species throughout the year, but is also a hotspot for fishermen wanting to catch the first fresh fish of the day. After waiting for 10 minutes in the dark and nodding to many fishermen heading down to the sea, Neil strolls down the lane, putting me