Damsels I've known

[Don Burkett]

It's the season, and while this is hardly something I any good at, here are some Damsels I've shot in the last few days. Hope you enjoy and if you've been shooting damsels, please join in. Somehow 'if you've been shooting damsels' just seems wrong. [6]


<span class="exif"]Canon 40d 1/400s f/6.3 at 180.0mm iso400, tripod



http://www.pbase.com/dbrasco/image/113730195/original.jpg


<span class="exif"]1/160s f/9.0 at 180.0mm iso400


http://www.pbase.com/dbrasco/image/113698102/original.jpg


<span class="exif"]1/80s f/10.0 at 180.0mm iso400



http://www.pbase.com/dbrasco/image/113698187/original.jpg





Couldn't resist adding in this cutie


<span class="exif"]1/50s f/11.0 at 180.0mm iso100


http://www.pbase.com/dbrasco/image/113734646/original.jpg





More damels and complete EXIFs are at: [View:http://www.pbase.com/dbrasco/dragonflies]

[MrGreenBug]

Great photos Don! I love the orange damselfly.

[Wes]

Great shots. Outstanding captures.

[Rodger]

Amazing! I think my favorite is the first one.

[Don Burkett]

Thank you all. I am really hoping we get some additional posts because damsels/dragons are so beautiful and detailed.

[Alan]

Don, maybe this is a good place to ask you, since you're a top-notch macro photographer.


Do you use a rail system with your camera, to finely tune the shot?


And, give me a clue on how you get those pesky flies to stay still long enough to have their picture taken! [:D]

[Jon Ruyle]

Not as good as Don's, but here is a dragonfly I shot a while back with a rebel xt and a 100mm macro lens.


ISO 400, f/10, 1/200 sec.


/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.25.93/dragonfly.jpg

[Don Burkett]

Thank you Alan. I think I'm more accurately in the slightly above average range. Venture over to Naturescape's Macro/Flora forum if you want to see some Top-Notch guys at work. I don't use a macro flash or rails, but I'm ok with that.


My set up is always:


Macro lens, (100mm or 180mm) Remember, 1:1 is 1:1 so the choice of which is usually about the working distance I want from the object. I have to admit though, I favor the 180, but DOF gets to be trickier. The biggest thing I've learned in the last year is that it is critical to have your focus point parallel to the camera sensor to maximum DOF in Macros. With macro shots your maximimum DOF is a mere few mm.


Tripod: I have both the Manfrotto 055xprob and the 190xprob. I favor the shorter one for low subject, but with the horizional arm, either works. The 055xprob is better (heavier) against the wind and when extended. I am not beyond using a sandbag on the camera or a weight below center if things are blowing around. I currently only have a Manfrotto 488RCO ballhead. Exact framing get's a little tricky because theres always some slick/stick but one gets used to it.


Mirror Lock Up or Live View, Remote Release are the other 2 musts. Extension tubes get a fair amount of use and sometimes I'll even strap the 1.4 T-Con to the back of the macro lenses. (Use a section of extension tube between the T-Con and macro lens to make it work)


Recently, for insects, I've experimented some with flash, both on and off camera but this won't ever replace the benefits of a good macro flash. With my set up I can kill most of the shadows but guys properly using macro flashes can really make the colors pop while overcoming the constant movement the little buggers exhibit. I never used flash for flora but do use diffusers and/or reflectors a lot.


Getting them to hold still, at least in my experience, is partially about timing and partly about the species. Many dragonflyies will return to the same perch repeatedly, so you can set up and wait. These Damsel flys seem to hang in the same area but bounce from perch to perch. Guys who shoot insects a lot, say that if they get aclaimated to your presence, your in like flin because they won't scare as easily. I find as long as I stay slow and keep my shadow out of the way I can get farily close. The ones in these shots though, including the fly were taken as they were settling in for the night or right after a rain. At least, to me, they don't seem to be quick so erratic towards evening. Also, they're supposed to be sluggish in the morning while they wait for the dew to dry off their wings.


That's everything I know in a nutshell, hope it helps.

[Don Burkett]

Nice capture Jon. Really like the detail in the eyes. Just one more stop and I think you'd have got the rest of his foreleg. Great color and composition

[Alan]

Don, that was a great tutorial. Lots of valuable information. I've done some macro work, mostly with flora. You got my juices going on the bugaboos after seeing these great shots. I'm gonna use what you said, and capture those little critters.


Thanks again.

[Jon Ruyle]

Thanks, Don. You're right, more dof would have been better. I would have lost a little sharpness in the head, but it would have been worth it.


Live and learn, hopefully.

[Don Burkett]

Thanks, Don. You're right, more dof would have been better. I would have lost a little sharpness in the head, but it would have been worth it.


Live and learn, hopefully.
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The 100mm f/2.8 can hold sharpness well beyond f/10. I don't know about your model camera, but if this shot is full frame, you could easily get beyond f/18 without visible impact on sharpness. Even if your frame was a 100% crop I think you've got more topside on the aperture scale. Probably, f/14 or f/16 would have nailed this for you. BTW, just my thoughts, not a mathematical calculation.

[Dann Thombs]

Hey these are some great shots. I'll second your methods too. Insects are tricky, but once you know the secrets, it's not so bad.

[Don Burkett]

So, here's one more of 'The Fly'. I hope you enjoy. Again, I encourage everyone to join in.


Same tech's as the fly above


http://www.pbase.com/dbrasco/image/113862046/original.jpg

[MrGreenBug]

This is superb Don! I can't wait to get myself a macro lens and apply some of your tips and tricks!


Great detail on the fly's eyes and the water drop.


Wonderful!!!

[Dann Thombs]

Here's my additions to the Damselfly thread:





http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3586/3592384771_09cf80d4c6.jpg ("http://www.flickr.com/photos/goshzilla/3592384771/)
5D Mark II, EF 180mm f/3.5 Macro, 1/320, f/3.5, ISO320, -1/3EV, handheld





http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3070/2646756328_9e2af2d811.jpg ("http://www.flickr.com/photos/goshzilla/2646756328/)
40D, MP-E 65mm @ 1:1, 1/250, f/10, ISO100, flash w/MT-24EX, handheld





http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3385/3593189968_f762768781.jpg ("http://www.flickr.com/photos/goshzilla/3593189968/)
5D Mark II, EF 180mm f/3.5 Macro, 1/160, f/7.1, ISO800, handheld


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3167/2633472181_82f4a4d486.jpg ("http://www.flickr.com/photos/goshzilla/2633472181/)
40D, EF 180mm f/3.5 Macro, 1/1250, f/3.5, ISO200, handheld

[Don Burkett]

Well Done, I like them all and I think I like them in the order you have them ranked. Although, #1 and #2 are interchangable. Really like the color blend of #2.

[Dann Thombs]

#2 was a lucky shot I usually use the 180mm for distance, but I only had the MP-E,so 4" was all I had to work with.

[Alan]

Well, obviously, both Don and Dann are pros at this.


I rarely see these beauties around.


So, where is a good place to start to capture these bugs? What kind of flora do they like resting on?


Where I live, the mosquito is prevalent, and they always seem to come to me, instead of the other way around!

[Dann Thombs]

Large open feels seem best for the Bluets and Forktails. Spreadwings I found like the edges of forests areas. They're not easy to spot. Just a bluish line that floats around. Some call them sewing needles. Not far from the truth.

[Don Burkett]

Quite honestly Alan, I just shot these damsels out my backdoor in the pararie grass along the edge of a pond. I do want to shoot some dragons pretty soon and to Dan's point, I'll look more in the fields near water sources rather than along the water's edge as well as the edges of forested areas. By the way, I rarely noticed them myself until I started looking for them. So, it's one of those things.

[TheRoff]

I didn't think I would be adding to this thread, but I was out getting to know my new 100-400 mm, and here she came.


http://www.pbase.com/roffee/image/113972034/original.jpg

[Dann Thombs]

If you live near the ocean, these guys like to live near any freshwater outlets where the salt and freshwater mix. Only species that can breed in brackish water:


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3177/2673773031_414c2a6ea1.jpg ("http://www.flickr.com/photos/goshzilla/2673773031/)

[Don Burkett]

I didn't think I would be adding to this thread, but I was out getting to know my new 100-400 mm, and here she came.
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This variety is incredibly hard to shoot. I tried them a number of times last summer and never got one any better than this. You either get detail in the underside and blow out the topside or visa versa. So I say great job. I do hope to try this again this summer. Think I'll try a flash.

[Don Burkett]

If you live near the ocean, these guys like to live near any freshwater outlets where the salt and freshwater mix. Only species that can breed in brackish water:
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<div style="clear: both;"]</div>





Beautiful Dann

[Alan]

Don, a question or two more on "The Fly."


How close was your lens to it? Did you crop this image?


Which extender did you use?


Do you like the 180 macro more than the 100?


Thanks much.


Al

[Don Burkett]

Hi Alan


I'll have to take better notes because your questions were asked in another forum as well.


I was probably in the 2' range, front of lens to fly. It is cropped, probably 50% No extension tube, though I did shoot another fly last night with 1.4 t-con and tube. I'll post it here tonight, but the detail isn't any better, only no crop was needed. I like both lens equally for quality. The 180mm works better for bugs with the longer working distance.

[Don Burkett]

Here is a Calico Pennant and another fly to add to the collection


Canon 40D, <span class="exif"]1/200s f/9.0 at 180.0mm iso400, tripod


http://www.pbase.com/dbrasco/image/114113959/original.jpg





Blowing Bubbles


Canon 40D, <span class="exif"]1/15s f/9.0 at 180.0mm iso400, 1.4 T-Con, 12mm extension tube, tripod, mlu, rr


http://www.pbase.com/dbrasco/image/114169691/original.jpg

[Colin]

Dan, I love the yellow!


Don, that's the best picture of a fly i've seen, at least that I can remember...

[Dann Thombs]

The pennant is a treat for the eyes.

[Dann Thombs]

Got a few shots recently, bug I think the diffused light from the leaf worked well on this one.


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3633/3671527809_f6be18bf45_b.jpg ("http://www.flickr.com/photos/goshzilla/3671527809/)


5D II + 180mm/3.5 + 1.4x TC

[Don Burkett]

Nice Dann, like the diffussed lighting as well. Ya gotta kinda wish that bright spot didn't run quite so far down the scene, but as they say, ya take waht ya get. Hope to see some more from you real soon. I seem to have moved onto dragons lately, but I'll but a few up in case anyone is interested. Also, now that we are in full swing season wise I hope others will post as well.

[Don Burkett]

Here are a couple Blue Dasher's both Male and Female


http://www.pbase.com/dbrasco/image/114440007/original.jpg


http://www.pbase.com/dbrasco/image/114309752/original.jpg


http://www.pbase.com/dbrasco/image/114115556/original.jpg





Female Widow Skimmer


http://www.pbase.com/dbrasco/image/114169284/original.jpg





Calico Pennant


http://www.pbase.com/dbrasco/image/114360305/original.jpg





All exifs, and other bugs and insects can be found at [View:http://www.pbase.com/dbrasco/animals]


Thanks for looking, hope you enjoy.

[Dann Thombs]

Female Spangled Skimmer perhaps. Do you have a top view.

[Don Burkett]

Female Spangled Skimmer perhaps. Do you have a top view.
<div style="clear: both;"]</div>





Thanks Dann, you got me looking in the right area, it's a Female Widow Skimmer

[Dann Thombs]

Ah, a top view would have been fairly straightforward in that case. Glad you were able to get an ID.

[Colin]

it seems a little weird to me that you guys know the names of these things [:)]

[Don Burkett]

it seems a little weird to me that you guys know the names of these things /emoticons/emotion-1.gif
<div style="clear: both;"]</div>





It's not that I know the names of these things but it's part of the respect I need to give to my subject matter and improves the viewing experience.


I will take reasonable effort to research and identify most subjects. People don't shoot a picture of Wrigley Field or PNC Park and call the photo "Some Baseball Field". Most wouldn't shoot a picture of the Sears Tower and call it "Some Building". (Although my son, did shoot a picture of the Vatican and called it "Some Church") I don't think that most people who look at these photos care that a dragonfly belongs to the order Odonata, the suborder Epiprocta or, in the strict sense, the infraorder Anisoptera. But, I do think it's natural for people to look at a photo of a flower, instect or bug, or place and want to know what they are looking at.


Having said that, I'm not fanatic about it. Go through my galleries and you will find titles like "Pretty Flower" or "Ugly Bug" [;)]

[Dann Thombs]

I'm a bit OCD when it comes to ID'ing. I've finally come to terms with accepting a Genus level ID on many of the flies I shoot. At least I'm getting over the urge to not bother photographing a bug that I don't think I'd be able to identify later.


However I do a lot of local documentation, so I find it important to be able to figure out what exactly I'm coming accross.

[MarkP]

Not that weird. I find it just as much fun trying to ID them as trying to take photos of them.


The quality of the photos in here are amazing. I have
been trying my hand at photographing damselflies using a Canon EF 300mm
f/4L IS USM &amp; Canon 25mm extension tube.


Hope you like my attempts:


All Azure Damselflies- Coenagrion puella






http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2592/3672785862_36694b11e1.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/markpayne1/3672785862/)


EXIF (http://www.flickr.com/photos/markpayne1/3672785862/meta/)


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3541/3672906076_0694a823ea.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/markpayne1/3672906076/)


EXIF (http://www.flickr.com/photos/markpayne1/3672906076/meta/)


This one with the Canon 1.4x extender attached.


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3299/3672904590_7ed91ec1f3.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/markpayne1/3672904590/)


EXIF (http://www.flickr.com/photos/markpayne1/3672904590/meta/)

[Don Burkett]

Nice contributions. The 300 f/4 is a great lens for these (wish I had one). Great backgrounds on #2 and #3. Good color in all. They are very nice as shown. If you want a couple on nits, maybe crop out the left on #2 to get rid of the non-sequencial stem and clone out what's left of the diaganol piece after the crop. Try tweaking your shadows and/or midtones slightly lighten and get a little better definition in the damsels. But as I said, good as shown and thanks for sharing.

[MarkP]

Thanks for the advice. I have cropped No.2 and will have a play around with the levels on them all as well.

[Dann Thombs]

On Azure Bluets, the 7th segment is usually only half black, and 8 &amp; 9 are completely blue. The first looks more like a northern, and the second two more like forktails, but I can't be sure.

[Don Burkett]

Number 2 is now a much stronger presentation in my opinion. Great job.

[Don Burkett]

Here's 2 new ones for this little collection.


This is a Skimmer, Male Black Saddlebacks. Not the best frame, but he won't hold still and I staulked him for quite awhile so I took what I could get.


http://www.pbase.com/dbrasco/image/114552657/original.jpg


This I believe is a FM Meadowhawk. I have the full image but used this crop because you could start to see the detail in the eyes.


http://www.pbase.com/dbrasco/image/114552660/original.jpg

[Sinh Nhut Nguyen]

Some great macro images here.


Don, thanks for the tips you posted in this thread about 2 weeks ago, they're very helpful. I'm in the process of learning macro photography, thanks again.