Dragonfly
30.08.22
I’ve been trying to track down a dragonfly for weeks and today there were five cycling overhead. Luckily this one decided to take a break for me to sneak up.
///aflutter.spit.contacting
Canon EOS 70D - EFS 55-250 USM
250mm / ƒ8.0 / 1/250s / ISO 200
17.09.21
There comes a point when you get to know a spot extremely well. To the point where you can guarantee to find dragonflies and the precise location they tend to rest.
Backlit from the sun with the background positioned into a shady area which worked well but the down side is the blown out areas on the eyes. Not much I could do about that though.
///ambivalence.quaff.impresses
Canon EOS 70D - EFS 55-250 USM
250mm / ƒ8.0 / 1/200s / ISO 250
09.08.21
One of the five dragonflies darting around in the same small field below St Saviours Church. Although there were five, they were on a feeding frenzy and just wouldn’t stay still, until I clocked this one land on an apple tree. It didn’t really move but trying to get a clean contrasting background was tricky. The dark areas came from the shady area under a tree about 20 metres away.
///diplodocus.frontrunner.placing
Canon EOS 70D - EFS 55-250 USM
220mm / ƒ8.0 / 1/320s / ISO 320
03.08.21
For months I’ve been trying to grab a shot of a dragonfly. They’re all over the place but trying to find one that’ll stay still and allow me to get close is hard work.
///herbs.holding.dethrone
Canon EOS 70D - EFS 55-250 USM
240mm / ƒ8.0 / 1/160s / ISO 320
03.06.20
Spend a little time in the long grass, have a little patience and learn to be stealthy as. The problem with these darters is they like to hide low down so getting a clean background was a nightmare.
Canon EOS 70D - EFS 55-250 USM + Kenko 28mm
200mm / ƒ8.0 / 1/250s / ISO 400
19.09.19
After wearing out the shutter, I finally got my old dslr fixed which I used to love using for macro. The body and APSC lenses are super lightweight which really helps in handheld situations. Point is, the expensive gear isn’t necessarily the best in all situations.
Canon EOS 70D - EFS55-250mm
225mm / ƒ/8.0 / 1/1600s / ISO 400
05.09.19
Open fields and woodlands are a haven for dragonflies at this time of year. Saw three within 15 minutes but this one had just eaten a fly and was chilled out enough for me to get within touching distance.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV - EF70-200mm f2.8L + Extension Tube
180mm / ƒ/7.1 / 1/250s / ISO 400
17.07.19
Spend enough time studying the behavior of your subject and you soon realise they have a ‘patch’ they always come back to for a break. Wait even longer and they get used to your presence, allowing you to get within touching distance. Wait longer than that and they bid you farewell.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV - EF70-200mm f2.8L + Extension Tube
180mm / ƒ/8.0 / 1/320s / ISO 500