Damselflies

[Gaba-gal]

My first macro shot of an insect. I first thought it was a dragon fly but when I got home I google it, and it appears to be a damselfly.

I were first thinking of putting this in the critique section but I am really happy with the shots that did came out.
I would like to know if anyone has any ideas how to deal with 'swinging" while taking macro's? I kept 'swinging" forward and backward while I took these. Of the about 60 I took only 6 were in focus. I know how to stabilise myself, but it seems that this doesnt really work that well when shooting macro.
I were lucky, this were taken in a bright light patch, and the little damselfly were sitting dead still every time and waiting for me to finish before she took off to a new spot.

[msblackeyeliner]

Great shots with beautiful colors! I've never heard of a Damselfly before but just looking at the picture gives me the heebie jeebies. LOL.

[Preacherman]

You did really well here GabaGal and No 2 is sharp as a razor. Macro is a very challenging art and if you are confronted with a moving subject there's not much you can do other than what you did here. For a perfect shot with perfect focus, DOF etc you need a stationary subject, a tripod and even a focus rail. Have a go with other subjects like fungus or leaves. You will soon conquer it. You can be proud of these. PAUL

[kayeleigh]

I love these! I can never find one willing to sit still!

[shmelly]

Brilliant captures Gaba-gal, so clear.

[fstopMike]

Gaba-gal, the ones your got are very clear. In addition to what Paul said, you can elect to stop your lens down for greater depth of field, since the DOF on a macro shot is so thin. Often you can afford to shoot at f16 or higher for a greater depth of field and easier focus, just be careful of the background that it also is sufficiently blurred for your taste.

[leonaashlee]

Awesome shots...gotta love those eyes.

[Mpow]

What a pretty blue. Those eyes are kind of creepy, though.
I can't afford a macro lens at this point, but may try to spring for a reversing ring.

My brother "schooled me" on how to tell the difference between damsel and dragonflies - damselfly wings go to the back, more parallel to their bodies, dragonfly wings go straight out to the side . . . He does wetlands mapping and the like, so I trust him on these things (although he has been known to lead me down a path of gullibility, just for his own amusement!).

[Gaba-gal]

Thanks Preacherman, fstopMike for the great advice, I will definitely practice more. These got me really excited as to what I can do. Also thanks Msblackeyeliner, kayeleigh, shmelly, leonaashlee for the great feedback.

Mpow I know what you mean about the lens, I bought mine a while ago, and worked so around my budget to buy it that I am still suffering for it, but the lens is great. It is almost permanently on the camera now, and I rarely take it off for one of my two kit zoom lenses. Big difference what good glass can make.