Dragon fly

[kinghen]

A couple from today.

Thanks for looking!
Henry

 

[Overread16 4]

Ahh nice exposures, but sadly you've missed the critical focus in both shots, which is the large eyes of the dragons. Typically with wildlife one of the staple "rules" is to get the eyes of the subject in focus (since we as viewers most strongly associate with them first). You can (like all compositional/content "rules") break this, however its a much harder rule to break.

How were you focusing these shots - AF and aiming at the middle of the body perchance ?

 

[kinghen]

I think it was af. I was so exited that he stayed sill long enough to grab a couple shots. I do see what you are saying about the eyes. I will take my time next time!! Thanks for the c&c

 

[Overread16 4]

Dragons are tricky, but you can use two methods to increase your chances:

1) Dragons are quite territorial insects and will often patrol and perch over the same area, so whilst you can't guarantee it, they will perch in the same place over and over to watch their territory .

2) Smaller aperture - pushing to f8 - f13 range will net you more depth of field in your photos which can make this kind of work easier as you can get an increased chance of getting the key points in focus - though note you might need flash or stronger lighting (or a higher ISO) to allow this

 

[TheFantasticG]

Overread is quite right. Thats how I get all my dragon shots. At least 90% need some fill flight in the least.

 

[kinghen]

I'm waiting on a r1c1 flash! It was suppose to be here today but it wont arrive until the 23rd I can't wait!

 

[TheFantasticG]

The R1 setup is nice. The only big big downside that I am finding I am really hating about it, is the CR123 batteries that the SB-R200s take. I'm trying to find some rechargables, but they seem few and far between.

Just on the off chance, I found some... I'll be purchasing these next week:

http://www.all-battery.com/Combo_Sm...3.aspx?zmam=55942680&zmas=1&zmac=1&zmap=39003

 

[Overread16 4]

I'd try to hunt around Maha/Powerrex or the other high quality battery rechargable manufacturers and see if you can get a better quality recharger. The cheap kind that come with batteries (like the one linked) tend to do a lot of harm to the longlevity and performance of the batteries they recharge. This is because they often recharge the units very fast and also some don't cut off once the batteries are recharged (leading to them being constantly charged and drained until the unit is turned off).

This is even more amplified by batteries used in flash units because they are drained and recharged so often.