More mating damselflies

First 2 shots flash MPE-65. 2nd 2 shots sigma 105 natural light.
Be interested in comments on the lighting in the second 2 shots- they were both shot in very bright sunlight so I reduced the contrast a lot and upped the saturation a bit to try and make them look softer.

Brian V.

Damselfly male

The other end damselfly female

Different pair

Same pair as above, same leaf , other way round (they moved not me)

The first two are extraordinary shots - absolutely stunning. The species is common bluetailed with the female 'rufescens' variant.
The second two are pinsharp as usual in your work but appear a little dark and flat to me. They're azures.

Great series! The first two close-ups are just amazing!

I would love to do a workshop led by you, amazing work.

Fantastic shots, even busy I don't know how you manage to get in so close to them.

The first two are awesome There is a problem with the last two. They look kinda grey, maybe underexposed.
I love the heart shape damselflies make when they are mating.

Thanks for the comments all - guess my attempts at reducing the contrast in the second two shots failed. Have now replaced the second 2 shots with normal originals
Brian v.

Those first 2 shots are amazing - really show off what can be acheved with the MPE-65 in the right hands.

How close were you to the damselflies? And I'm assuming they were tripod and not handheld?

Thanks
I'd guess the front of the lens was 2" to 3" away from them. I was using my beanpole to help stabilise the camera- never use a tripod in the garden.
see http://www.flickr.com/​photos/lordv/75900442/
Brian V.

I don't see to many damsels down around my way, however a dragonfly or two may show up occasionally. Beautiful images everyone and well taken. The last one of the blue damsels is may favorite out of the series.

Superb shots, Brian! I love how the second one looks like his grip on her neck is making her eyes bulge Hairy little guys, aren't they?

MP E65 shots are mega sharp, excellent. Mating pairs have been flying away from me but normally one can get quite close. Natural light shots are good but the BG is a bit distracting with those curls

Ken Ramos wrote:
I don't see to many damsels down around my way, however a dragonfly or two may show up occasionally. Beautiful images everyone and well taken. The last one of the blue damsels is may favorite out of the series.

Thanks Ken
You need a pond
Brian V.

dazzlebea wrote:
Superb shots, Brian! I love how the second one looks like his grip on her neck is making her eyes bulge Hairy little guys, aren't they?

Thanks Bea
As Baldeagle knows, it's amazing how many bugs are actually very hairy
Brian V.

Thanks RM
Mating pairs always seem more approachable (like males , can't do more than one thing at once ).
Brian V.