Nature Photographers Network
This is the preserved archive of the original Nature Photographers Network. The community continues at naturephotographers.network.
The Guardian
‹ PreviousMacro & Close-up GalleryNext ›

The Guardian

by Bill Fach

Gallery: Macro & Close-upPosted August 13, 2011140 views8 comments
Sony A700
Minolta 200mm macro
ISO 400, 1/10 @ f22

One of the casualties of the Texas drought is a major drop in butterfly sightings. Chrissy designed a large portion of our garden for butterflies but so far this year we have had almost no caterpillars and fewer adults :frown:. However we have had some dragonflies and this fellow was most cooperative. I think this is a blue dasher but dragonfly ID is not my strong suit. All comments welcome. >=))>

Comments

8 comments
Comment posted by Charlie Baugh on August 13, 2011 at 8:16 PM
Not mine either, Bill, but this is a beauty. It is one we do not see here. The blue veined wings and face are especially nice. We are having a similar year for birds wildflowers and insects. The weather is very unusual this year, we in the PNW are at least cool.
Registered on April 18, 2011, 329 Posts, 1985 Comments
Comment posted by Nancy Lea Sandy on August 14, 2011 at 9:52 AM
Very nice. I like the sharpness of the body through the translucent wings. A clean, uncluttered composition that really showcases the dragonfly's attributes.
Registered on January 24, 2011, 576 Posts, 6942 Comments
Comment posted by Gary Yeoh on August 14, 2011 at 9:50 PM
Bill:
A nice DF image. I particularly like how the pattern of the fore-wing is overlaid over the cut surface of the perch. Perfect sharpness in the eyes.
Registered on September 1, 2009, 588 Posts, 8184 Comments
Comment posted by Wayne Jones on August 15, 2011 at 12:21 PM
Wow, Bill, this is one of the nicest blue dashers I have seen. Your exposure in this light makes the colors and details quietly spectacular. With the background far enough away to blur well, f/22 was a great choice, since I think greatly OOF wings in the FG would have detracted from this. The lack of reflections on those winds lets those colors and details show through beautifully. Makes me want to get out more on overcast days.

:toast: :toast: (Deducted one toast because of the pruned perch. Otherwise, a perfect shot. Did I mention how much I like the colors and details?)
Registered on April 18, 2007, 953 Posts, 6435 Comments
Comment posted by Keith Tate on August 15, 2011 at 2:37 PM
Nice soft light and excellent detail Bill !!
Registered on December 11, 2004, 150 Posts, 1667 Comments
Comment posted by Christine Jackson on August 16, 2011 at 7:20 AM
Bill,

Excellent image! Love the colors and the composition too.

Chrisie Jackson
Denver, Colorado
Registered on September 19, 2010, 20 Posts, 244 Comments
Comment posted by Albert Darmo on August 19, 2011 at 10:45 PM
Hi Bill :wavey: Trying to keep up, watching other galleries with one good eye :biggrin: i find this well composed with very good sharpness. :smile:
Albert Darmo
Registered on November 25, 2008, 1386 Posts, 11978 Comments
Comment posted by Howard Cheek on September 1, 2011 at 11:44 AM
Love the blues & greens here Bill, this low-key/soft natural light exposure is just beautiful..
Great BG, details, and POV, nice wings forward pose too:toast: :toast:
Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments