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A jewel

2009.07.02
Dragonfly in flight; I love the way they fold up their legs when they're airborne!

I think this is probably a Brilliant Emerald (Somatochlora metallica), but please correct me if you know better!

Yes, it's flying, and no, it's not easy to get a shot like this. The right hardware makes a real difference though, an SLR of some sort, a long lens, and plenty of light all would help a great deal. Most compact cameras can't focus fast enough, and/or don't offer enough control over the focus; shutter lag is also a problem. A long lens is required, as they fly all over the place, and rarely come close when on the wing. Finally you need a lot of light to come close to freezing the wingtips, and get enough depth-of-field.

Something I hadn't noticed before taking photographs of this one are their stunning eyes, they form a kaleidoscope of colours. I suspect this is due to the flash I was using to light the shot, but I've never seen it before with any other species.

I had to chuckle today, I heard someone specify "a round circle"; what, you mean you don't want one of those pesky square circles we're all familiar with, right? ;)
7 Comments
zhangsiqi Oooooo!
very nice!
amazing shot!
zhangsiqi · 2009-07-02: 23:56
????? lucky you.... amazing shot
????? · 2009-07-03: 01:42
StuffandNonsense Thankyou zhangsigi, glad you liked it!

Thankyou carolinesimone, the camera did all the hard work ;)
StuffandNonsense · 2009-07-03: 17:49
jonggolde I know it is very difficult to shoot them flying. You did and I do like this picture!
jonggolde · 2009-07-28: 08:46
StuffandNonsense Thankyou Henriëtte; you have some lovely shots yourself!
StuffandNonsense · 2009-07-28: 21:15
northof57
AMAZING SHOT! THANKS FOR THE HELPFUL HINTS.
northof57 · 2009-07-31: 22:22
StuffandNonsense Thankyou Barry, and if you need any more info, just ask!
StuffandNonsense · 2009-08-15: 13:42
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