Dragons...

[jprzybyla]

A dragonfly I shot yesterday. Species unknown at this time. C&C welcomed and appreciated. Thank you for viewing.

#1



#2

[rpcrowe]

Joe... Great shots of beautiful insects... I like the way you framed the dragons with their body going across the frame; rather than head on. That way you took advantage of the slim DOF your camera/lens allowed. Color is absolutely delicate and lovely! I tend to like #1 the best because the dragon is larger but, both are, IMO, great!

I wonder if a slight vignette and/or a conservative frame might be appropriate for these shots...

[Bobobird]

Beautiful shots. Bokeh, sharpness, colours etc all good.

[FrankMi]

I really like the first one for the use of angles, sharpness, and close-up view. I am guessing that the strands on the twig are spider webbing? If so, this might not be the best place for a dragon to roost!

I hope someone can ID this one for you.

[Daisy Mae]

Amazing.

I am in total awe of your ability to capture these strange and delicate creatures.

[kdoc856]

Image #1 just stopped me in my tracks. I think Richard's vignette suggestion might focus our eye even more. Well done!

[ggt]

too cool!!!

[terrib]

Oh my. #1 is so incredibly bright, clear and sharp. Absolutely awesome. How DO you do that? Just curious - do you use a tripod when you are shooting these?

[redrew]

Joe, superb Dragonfly photography. How you managed to keep the DOF so deep is a mystery. I know I would benefit from your EXIF data if you desire to disclose it. The specie appears to be a Four Spotted Pennant (Brachymesia gravida).

[jprzybyla]

Joe... Great shots of beautiful insects... I like the way you framed the dragons with their body going across the frame; rather than head on. That way you took advantage of the slim DOF your camera/lens allowed. Color is absolutely delicate and lovely! I tend to like #1 the best because the dragon is larger but, both are, IMO, great!

I wonder if a slight vignette and/or a conservative frame might be appropriate for these shots...

Your comment and viewing is much appreciated Richard. I do have a subtle post crop vignette but maybe a little more would highlight the dragonfly better. I tend to err on the conservative side. Thanks again.

[jprzybyla]

Beautiful shots. Bokeh, sharpness, colours etc all good.

Thanks Bobo, this one just landed in the right place. Easy to isolate the dragonfly against the background and good lighting.

[jprzybyla]

I really like the first one for the use of angles, sharpness, and close-up view. I am guessing that the strands on the twig are spider webbing? If so, this might not be the best place for a dragon to roost!

I hope someone can ID this one for you.

Thanks Frank, much appreciated. The strands are spiderwebs, but an old web so the critter is safe. Eventually I will look it up, I just wanted to post it before taking the time.

[jprzybyla]

Amazing.

I am in total awe of your ability to capture these strange and delicate creatures.

As I am with you ability to photograph flowers. Thanks Sharon.

[jprzybyla]

Image #1 just stopped me in my tracks. I think Richard's vignette suggestion might focus our eye even more. Well done!

Thanks Kevin, I appreciate you taking time to view and comment.

[jprzybyla]

too cool!!!

Thank you Gretchen, very much appreciated.

[jprzybyla]

Oh my. #1 is so incredibly bright, clear and sharp. Absolutely awesome. How DO you do that? Just curious - do you use a tripod when you are shooting these?

Hi Terri much appreciated. Regarding your question about using a tripod... the answer is no. Tripods do not fit my type of nature photography. I like to be spontaneous. I am as likely to photograph a dragonfly perched and then the next minute see a bird flying overhead and swing to catch that. If one is using a fixed focal length large telephoto lens such as a 400-800mm then a tripod is needed. But with the smaller zoom telephotos now and a crop sensor extending their reach are easily handheld. I am from the old school before lens with VR etc., so I use a minimum shutterspeed of 1/400 an aperture of f8 to f16depending on the depth of field needed. Here is another thing that helps. Most hold the camera and shoot with the elbows pointing outwards with the viewfinder to their eye. Bring the elbows down so they are tight against the body forming a braced position... much more steady than just holding the camera in the air. Keep shooting Terri.

[jprzybyla]

Joe, superb Dragonfly photography. How you managed to keep the DOF so deep is a mystery. I know I would benefit from your EXIF data if you desire to disclose it. The specie appears to be a Four Spotted Pennant (Brachymesia gravida).

Thanks Rollin. EXIF data as follows, 1/400 sec. at f16, 720 ISO and shot at 300mm full frame equivalent of 450mm. I believe that it helps to have a lightweight zoom lens that can easily be handheld. Also read what I responded to Terri concerning the elbows. I shot this at my minmum focusing distance of about five feet. Thanks for the identification. Keep shooting my friend.