Dragonfly

[Roach711]

This guy was very patient with me and sat still for 30 frames or so. Even came back the next day for a reshoot! This is my first presentable pic with the Drebel but I'm sure it can be improved.

http://img78.photobucket.com/albums/v307/roach711/Dragonfly1_1287.jpg

Dreble with 100mm macro at F14 & 125th asa 800

Slight levels adj., saturation +11, slight USM - otherwise, as shot.

Da Roach

[msol]

A professional wild-life photographer once gave me these tips on dragonflies:

* They often fly a standard circuit around their area. If you have the time to just sit and watch the thing fly around, you should be able to notice a pattern in where it's sitting to rest. Once you've discovered those places, you can choose the best location to shoot from.
* The wings, since they are transparent, are best shot with backlight. Keep that in mind when choosing your location to shoot from. (The pro even added... sometimes that best position is in the pond... and you need to take that photo to meet your deadline... so then you find yourself standing in the water :D )

Well. That's theory. I haven't yet practiced it myself, but thought I'd share it anyway.

About your shot... I like it. It shows great DOF. Being nitpicky, I would have liked a little more"space" above the dragonfly.

[Roach711]

I didn't have to get wet for this one - he obligingly perched on a tomato stake near my patio. I noticed the tendency of the dragonfly to use the same perches so I just sat down with a good book and waited for him to come on by.

I agree about the need for more space at the top of the frame - just another opportunity to expand my Photoshop skills.

[Sendide]

Just one question : Why did you go down to f14? you could easyly get same DOG or almost the same with f6 or so and then use less ISO?
or am I worong?
regards
KHalid

[Roach711]

I was shooting flowers when this beastie showed up. Didn't know how long it would stay around and just kept shooting instead of taking time to adjust.

[JZaun]

Excellent capture,, nice detail on the wings also..

JZ

[Meerkat17]

Nice image and composition

Well done

David