Here be Dragons!

[Overread]

Dragons are hard!
really hard!
Not only that but this clearly shows I need more practice and thinking (its all so much cleared back at base camp than it is in the field - need to get that sorted!)
These were taken of a few dragonflies which were hovering over the pond - problem was they were not that close to the edge, so I had to lean out a little to get the shots - not nice when you are holding so much expensive kit!
Taken with sigma 150mm macro and canon 400D

1)

f8, ISO 400, 1/200sec, aperture priority, handheld
link to larger: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3306/...69d7f6be_o.jpg

2)

f9, ISO 200, 1/60sec, manual mode, handheld
link to larger: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3488/...50aa5b03_o.jpg
I lowered the shutter speed to try for a greater depth of field - and forgot to reduce my aperture - though it was tricky as he would only settle for a short time before off again

3)

f9, ISO 200, 1/200sec, shutter priority mode, handheld
link to larger: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3436/...6d000fee_o.jpg
This shows I need to try on a faster shutter speed - nearly worked. Of course the problem then is keeping my aperture open - so ISO 400 possibly as well

day 2:
4)

f18, ISO 200, 1/8sec tripod, manual
link to larger: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3480/...f5556b27_o.jpg
I got the chance to the tripod this time on the day (this chap was either dead now or he very soon was, came back later and he was on his side in the water) but messed up due to a light wind that I did not notice - messed things up with the slower shutterspeeds!

any comments/advice welcome - thanks

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[Dmitri]

Cool shots. I like the ones in flight. and the last one shows nice detail of a very colorful dragonfly

[Overread]

Thanks Dmitri - though I have just been informed that they are not - infact - dragons, but damselflies -- apparently dragons don't put thier wings back when they land -- methinks I need a good insect book!

and two more shots - the latter of which I did not notice when I first skimmed through the RAWs on the computer!
from the first day - so handheld 150mm macro


f8, ISO 400, 1/200 - had to chase after him a little to get this
link to larger: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3098/...3822e40b_o.jpg
100% crop:


and shot two -- really happy with this one

f5.6, ISO 200, 1/160sec - almost perfect side on shot
link to larger: http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3531/...690ffd2f_o.jpg

[matt-l]

you sure these are Dragons and not Damsel flys? i may be wrong, but they look like Damsels.


anyway i really like the first, even those the orb things are in the top left, it still a great shot. and i really like the last.

Great work!!

[Antarctican]

They sure are colourful!! The first one makes me smile, the way it's peaking up over the edge of the stalk like that. #4 is really good too, with the strong colour, and the reflection in the water. And the last one is lovely...so crisp.

'You're good with the damsels'

[Dmitri]

Thanks Dmitri - though I have just been informed that they are not - infact - dragons, but damselflies -- apparently dragons don't put thier wings back when they land -- methinks I need a good insect book!

ah ok, I see what you're saying. I never knew the difference either hehe. We live and we learn

The new pics are really nice too. That third one looks like a magic trick