Macro Weekend

[mpascal]

These are indeed very good macro shots of an exceptionally difficult subject to capture. Well done.

Michael

[rmostrea]

Thanks everyone for your comments!

One thing i learned when taking pictures of dragonflies is that it really requires patience (still struggling!). There's also another trick.. If you see one perching on some place, try to sneak and take your shot when they lift off, pause for a second.... Most of them will circle around and land on the same spot. If you're still enough, they'll ignore you and you can get the shot you want!!

[Jmf3725]

I'm fascinated with the tiny details of insects and would love to get shots like these! Great color and detail!

Now, my question is, how in the world does one get so close to a dragonfly without catching it with a net? I love the natural scenery in the photo rather than my fingers. Even as cool as it is, to be able to inspect them closely, I'd prefer natural shots.

I mean, I can do it all day long with damselflies, but for some reason, dragonflies seem to be extremely paranoid and fly away when I get within 6-8 feet. I even move as slow as I possibly can, but it never helps.

So far, I've only been lucky enough to get barely decent shots of two dragonflies, one of which I caught with an insect net, photographed and let go without hurting it, too . The other, I chased for what seemed like an hour just to get a couple lack luster shots from a small distance.

As seen here: Flickr Photo Download: Red Dragon

Any helpful tips are welcome!

[Chewys Dad]

These are awesome macros, you Rock!!! Beautiful Composition and Great Colors. These are Stunning.
Thanks for sharing these
Michael.

[equilution]

Holy macro Batman!!! Incredible. Even on my blackberry. Will check them out again when I get home. Thx for sharing.

[rmostrea]

Originally Posted by Jmf3725

I'm fascinated with the tiny details of insects and would love to get shots like these! Great color and detail!

Now, my question is, how in the world does one get so close to a dragonfly without catching it with a net? I love the natural scenery in the photo rather than my fingers. Even as cool as it is, to be able to inspect them closely, I'd prefer natural shots.

I mean, I can do it all day long with damselflies, but for some reason, dragonflies seem to be extremely paranoid and fly away when I get within 6-8 feet. I even move as slow as I possibly can, but it never helps.

So far, I've only been lucky enough to get barely decent shots of two dragonflies, one of which I caught with an insect net, photographed and let go without hurting it, too . The other, I chased for what seemed like an hour just to get a couple lack luster shots from a small distance.

As seen here: Flickr Photo Download: Red Dragon

Any helpful tips are welcome!

Hi Jmf3725,

First of, thanks for viewing my photos. I've been busy this past few days and had no time to visit the forum. I didn't realize that my thread is still active.

I totally agree with you that dragonflies are quite tricky and frustrating subjects.. Go near them and they will fly away before you can lock the focus.. But, after shooting dragonflies for a while, I found the trick! Most of the time they will return to the same spot after they flew away so what I alwys do is hold still for a few seconds and wait til they return.

Also, when I shoot dragonflies, I always use AI Servo. Found it more effective than One Shot Focus esp when it's a bit windy.

Hope this helps! Enjoy shooting..

[rmostrea]

Originally Posted by equilution

Holy macro Batman!!! Incredible. Even on my blackberry. Will check them out again when I get home. Thx for sharing.

Thanks for viewing my post..


Also thanks to Michael for the comments!

[jennie]

Hi Mark! haven't seen you in the forum lately but this is a treat..the clarity and detail of each picture is really awesome..i really love the color of your pink dragonfly.. patience is something that i constantly struggle with but i am glad that some of you here in DPS have it and share the fruits of your labor..

[rmostrea]

Originally Posted by jennie

Hi Mark! haven't seen you in the forum lately but this is a treat..the clarity and detail of each picture is really awesome..i really love the color of your pink dragonfly.. patience is something that i constantly struggle with but i am glad that some of you here in DPS have it and share the fruits of your labor..

Hi Jenny! Hope everything's fine from your end. Thanks for your comments and for visiting my thread! Yeah been busy this past view days but I had to check my camera once in a while to see if it's still working.

[kgb224]

Outstanding series of macro pictures captured by you.