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Species photography guide

# Apollo Photography Holidays

*Parnassius apollo*

Explore our Apollo photography holidays in [Bulgaria](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/bulgaria/), planned around the conditions that give this species the best photographic potential during the best seasonal conditions.Our small-group photography holidays prioritise time in the field, light, behaviour, positioning & repeatable photographic opportunities rather than rushed wildlife viewing.

[View trips](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/apollo/#nl-species-trips)[Where](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/apollo/#nl-species-where)[Field notes](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/apollo/#nl-species-field-notes)[Related species](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/apollo/#nl-species-related)

![Apollo photography holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/A-Magnificent-Marbled-Fritlllary-one-of-the-subjects-on-our-Bulgarian-Mountain-Butterfly-Macro-Photography-Tour-1024x768.jpg)

## At a glance

Trips1 associated holiday

Where[Bulgaria](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/bulgaria/)

Led by[Pui Hang Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/pui-hang/)

Species profile

## About this species

The Apollo is a large & striking butterfly belonging to the family Papilionidae, characterised by its white wings adorned with distinctive red & black eyespots. It is found across mountainous regions of Europe & Asia, where it inhabits open, rocky slopes & meadows. The species is considered vulnerable due to habitat loss & collection pressure, and is protected by law in many European countries.

**Habitat**

Rocky alpine & subalpine meadows, typically between 500 & 2000 metres altitude, often on limestone-rich slopes with abundant flowering plants such as stonecrop & thistles.

[Species background](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parnassius_apollo)

Where to photograph

## Where our trips feature this species

You can photograph Apollo with us in [Bulgaria](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/bulgaria/).

These departures are part of our [Europe](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/) programme.

In the field, [Pui Hang Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/pui-hang/) helps guests make the most of these encounters.

Field notes

## Photography notes

**Best time**

The Apollo is best photographed from late June to August during warm, sunny mornings between 9am & 1pm when adults are most active. Peak flight season varies by altitude, with lower populations emerging earlier in the season.

**Approach**

Approach slowly & from downwind when the butterfly is feeding on flowers such as thistles or sedum, as it is relatively approachable when nectaring. Use a macro or short telephoto lens in the 100-200mm range to capture the intricate wing patterns without disturbing the subject. Shoot in bright sunshine as the Apollo is most active & likely to display its wings fully open when basking on warm rocky surfaces.

Connected wildlife

## Often seen on the same trips

On the trips associated with this species, photographers may also encounter:

[Amanda's Blue](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/amandas-blue/)[Chequered Skipper](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/chequered-skipper/)[Clouded Apollo](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/clouded-apollo/)[Dingy Skipper](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/dingy-skipper/)[False Grayling](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/false-grayling/)[Geranium Argus](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/geranium-argus/)[Grizzled Skipper](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/grizzled-skipper/)[Large Ringlet](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/large-ringlet/)[Large Skipper](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/large-skipper/)[Marbled White](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/marbled-white/)

Available holidays

## Trips featuring Apollo

The holidays below are pulled from the same species relationship, so the guide stays tied to live departures rather than becoming a static article.

#### Guide connection

Pui Hang Miles leads trips where guests have the chance to photograph Apollo in the field.

[Meet Pui](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/pui-hang/)

![Bulgarian Mountain Butterfly Macro](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/A-Magnificent-Marbled-Fritlllary-one-of-the-subjects-on-our-Bulgarian-Mountain-Butterfly-Macro-Photography-Tour-1024x768.jpg)

#### Related holiday

Bulgarian Mountain Butterfly Macro gives guests time in Bulgaria where Apollo can be part of the day's wildlife encounters.

[View trip](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/bulgarian-mountain-butterfly/)

Route

 

Destination

 

Signature Destination

Single occupancy

Maximum 6 guests

Experienced guidance

Guided by Pui

- [![Join Us For The Bulgarian Mountain Butterfly Macro Photography Tour](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/A-Magnificent-Marbled-Fritlllary-one-of-the-subjects-on-our-Bulgarian-Mountain-Butterfly-Macro-Photography-Tour-1024x768.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/bulgarian-mountain-butterfly/)

### 7th - 15th Jul 2027 - Bulgarian Mountain Butterfly Macro

**Location:** Bulgaria

A small-group Bulgarian mountain butterfly macro photography holiday focused on alpine meadows & high-altitude butterfly habitats in July.

**8 nights** w. **Single occupancy** for **£2999**

Guided By **Pui Hang Miles**

[View Bulgarian Mountain Butterfly Macro](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/bulgarian-mountain-butterfly/)

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