Hovering dragonflies...

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twebster
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Hovering dragonflies...

Post by twebster »

I think dragonflies are the insect world's equivalent of hummingbirds. :) If I can photograph hovering hummingbirds why not
photograph hovering dragonflies? :)

Image

Wandering Glider Dragonfly.

Image

The last thing a mosquito sees in its rear view mirror! :shock:

Image

I caught this Wandering Glider Dragonfly backlighted against early morning sunlight. I just love the transluscent effect and the
sparkles on the wings. I haven't found an opportunity to repeat this effect since I shot this image.

All of these images were made with my 500mm f 4L IS lens + 2x II tc + 25mm extension tube between the lens and tc.

Comment and critiques welcomed and encouraged. :)
Tom Webster

Phoenix "The Valley of the Sun", Arizona, USA

The worst day photographing dragonflies is better than the best day working! :)
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Bruce Williams
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Post by Bruce Williams »

I really (REALLY) like pic1 and pic2 Tom. You've done a great job capturing them in flight.

Please imagine an emoticon of a smiley whistling in appreciation!

Bruce :D
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Sven Bernert
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Post by Sven Bernert »

Ouch, what a nice little macro lens he has :smt046

Killer stuff Tom and look how different the tastes are: I do like the third most for its sweet back lighting! Extremely well captured! :smt023

Question: what focusing mode did use the lens in for that shot: AI Servo, one shot or (my guess) manual focus?

Best,
Sven
If you are out there shooting, things will happen for you. If you're not out there, you'll only hear about it. - Jay Maisel
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twebster
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Post by twebster »

Sven Bernert wrote:Ouch, what a nice little macro lens he has :smt046

Killer stuff Tom and look how different the tastes are: I do like the third most for its sweet back lighting! Extremely well captured! :smt023

Question: what focusing mode did use the lens in for that shot: AI Servo, one shot or (my guess) manual focus?

Best,
Sven
Thanks for the nice comments, my friends. Sven, I actually used AIServo focus. :) Keep in mind, these dragonflies are a good 15' to 20' away. The AIServo mode on the 1D MkII is exceptional. :)
Tom Webster

Phoenix "The Valley of the Sun", Arizona, USA

The worst day photographing dragonflies is better than the best day working! :)
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MacroLuv
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Post by MacroLuv »

Beautiful captures Tom! :smt023
I have a question too. Is your sensor so free of dust (very clean sky) or it is post processing? Or maybe this problem is mainly visible on macros when apreture is stopped far down?
The meaning of beauty is in sharing with others.

P.S.
Noticing of my "a" and "the" and other grammar
errors are welcome. :D
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DaveW
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Post by DaveW »

Great shots showing one set of wings on the up beat whilst the others are coming down. Number two looks like an "X fighter" from Star wars!

DaveW
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Mike B in OKlahoma
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Post by Mike B in OKlahoma »

Good show! I envy the ability of your Mk II to do this in skilled hands. I personally like #2, quite different from what we usually see, even when someone pulls this off.
Mike Broderick
Oklahoma City, OK, USA

Constructive critiques of my pictures, and reposts in this forum for purposes of critique are welcome

"I must obey the inscrutable exhortations of my soul....My mandate includes weird bugs."
--Calvin
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Danny
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Post by Danny »

You want jealousy M8t, OK, you got it 8) :wink:

Brilliant shots and perfect timing Tom. I'm in awe M8t. Superb !!!

All the best to the clan from this mob :wink:

Danny.
Worry about the image that comes out of the box, rather than the box itself.
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twebster
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Post by twebster »

MacroLuv wrote:Beautiful captures Tom! :smt023
I have a question too. Is your sensor so free of dust (very clean sky) or it is post processing? Or maybe this problem is mainly visible on macros when apreture is stopped far down?
Nikola, I try to keep my sensor as clean as possible but I still get dust spots. I clean the sensor once a week and then I clone out any remaining dust spots. It's true, though, more dust will show up at smaller f stops. I generally do not stop this lens down past f 8 and that helps, too. :)
Tom Webster

Phoenix "The Valley of the Sun", Arizona, USA

The worst day photographing dragonflies is better than the best day working! :)
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twebster
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Post by twebster »

nzmacro wrote:You want jealousy M8t, OK, you got it 8) :wink:

Brilliant shots and perfect timing Tom. I'm in awe M8t. Superb !!!

All the best to the clan from this mob :wink:

Danny.
No need ot be jealous, mate. :) Spend US$10,000 on a kit and you, too, can photograph hovering dragonflies :!: :shock: :D Seriously, Danny, in this case the right equipment does help a lot. I just ordered a new Canon 100mm macro lens so, hopefully, you'll see some new macros from me. The temps are 110°F (43°C) plus right now and the birds have gone into deep cover to stay cool. It's time for dragonflies :!: :D :!: :D
Tom Webster

Phoenix "The Valley of the Sun", Arizona, USA

The worst day photographing dragonflies is better than the best day working! :)
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Danny
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Post by Danny »

:shock: :D :D . Just make enough out of it and get down here will ya :wink:

Danny.
Worry about the image that comes out of the box, rather than the box itself.
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twebster
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Post by twebster »

nzmacro wrote::shock: :D :D . Just make enough out of it and get down here will ya :wink:

Danny.
I'm working on it, mate :!: :D
Tom Webster

Phoenix "The Valley of the Sun", Arizona, USA

The worst day photographing dragonflies is better than the best day working! :)
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beetleman
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Post by beetleman »

Simply incredible photos Tom.
Take Nothing but Pictures--Leave Nothing but Footprints.
Doug Breda
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