Shooting Dragonflys

[Cotmweasel]

What is the best way to get good dragonfly pictures? I am having the hardest time getting close enough to get a good picture. there flying patterns seem unpredictable and getting close to one is extremely hard as well.

Here's the only one that has turned out at all and I was quite a ways away and its cropped a bit

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2077/2391825264_72c3d5e691_b.jpg

Anyone know how to get closer?

Thanks

[Naturalist]

Oftentimes dragonflies will return to the same perch. Sit and observe a bit and you'll see a pattern develop.

I use a telephoto to shoot them, but have also been able to shoot them quite close with a medium range lens.

Patience and perseverance will teach you more.

[Paul McNelis]

Get up at the crack of dawn when they have not yet been warmed by the sun and you will find them as still as can be. ;-)

[dpastern]

What Paul said - but - they also like to sun themselves in the warm afternoon sun. The key is to approach low, and slow, a bit at a time. Do NOT let your shadow fall on them (or any other insect/arachnid imho). I've been known to basically edge forward on my stomach to get the shot - whether there's mud there or not.

Dave

[macro junkie]

u dont need a 150mm lens to get good shots..how do u think the guys with mpe-65 it?..its all about timing..your need to go out in the morning befor sun rise..if that fails use a 150mm :lol::lol:

i have tryed to shoot these things but failed.

[troypiggo]

Don't listen to these guys. I find running full speed from behind them and snapping away in burst mode when you get close enough works - you'll get at least one good shot before he flies off. Surely.

:)

Actually, I was having the same dilemma you mention around Christmas time. Just some patience and you'll come across one that sits still long enough to get close. Move slowly, keep your camera high so it's not a drastic/sudden movement when you do put your eye to viewfinder to shoot. If they fly off they do, as mentioned above, often return to the same few perches.

I found one dragon so relaxed I actually got too close and touched it with the lens and it didn't move. I got some shots, and got a little too cocky trying to make it go on my finger and poked it gently and finally it flew off.

[allenfr]

[quote=troypiggo;5284523]Don't listen to these guys. I find running full speed from behind them and snapping away in burst mode when you get close enough works - you'll get at least one good shot before he flies off. Surely.


tried this technique. Great for the daily exercise, wonderful for body toning, hilarious for the neighbors watching, useless for good shots. I couldn;t go into the local store to get a coffee for weeks afterwards without getting a comment, or two.

I've had the best luck using patience, and watching to see what plants they keep coming back to, then sitting and waiting. Often while I;m waiting for one particular insect to return, I'll spot more all around me that I'd missed ! < smile >

[Jay Lowery]

one key ive found is DONT rush the dragonfly. if you follow them from perch to perch you will never get a shot. and actually like said they are VERY predictable. watch the dragonfly for a few minutes before attempting to shoot it. they often land in the same spots, usually on high perches or lone sticks. after they get used to you, theres no worries. i used to chase this red one for a long time. id be hopping rock to rock over the river trying to get a decent shot. then after i stopped caring and waited next to one of its perches it came back and let me get within inches for about 10 minutes.

[macro junkie]

Don't listen to these guys. I find running full speed from behind them and snapping away in burst mode when you get close enough works - you'll get at least one good shot before he flies off. Surely.
off.

lmao..

[LordV]

They are not always so timid :) - darter dragonflies can be alot more accomodating esp after some training.

Brian V.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1296/1041089703_306db5c2bd_o.jpg

[alliec]

It can be very frustrating but it is possible. Both the images below were shot with the MPE-65 and i was within 4 inches for both of these shots.

Just approach slowly and at their level or lower if possible, as Dave has said avoid casting a shadow on them as they will be off straight away. Once i was close enough to get focus with the MPE they were fairly happy and i was able to take about 30 shots at varying mags before they got bored.

MPE-65 X5 approx 1.5 inches away from the dragonfly (was alive)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2088/2062770509_73a18c275f.jpg

MPE-65 x1 i think approx 4 inches away.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2315/2070910280_f413bd83a2.jpg

[johnkermit1]

i agree with above. most i come across fly off, and if you sit in one area when they are swarming, one will land near you.
early morning yesterday i got one siting still. but i only go one shot before it flew off.