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Ebony Jewelwing
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Ebony Jewelwing

by Jim Zablotny

Gallery: Macro & Close-upPosted July 28, 201494 views6 comments
I find that ebony jewelwings (Calopteryx maculata) are challenging to photograph. They rarely sit in the shade and almost never pose parallel to the lens plane. This one did not want to play by damselfly rules and posed for three minutes on this shaded leaf. Pentax K5 IIs, 300mm DA* f4, 40mm extension (1/20sec at f9.0, ISO 320). Lightroom shadows lightened and highlights reduced, CS5 Levels, Topaz Detail for sharpening...........................Jim

Comments

6 comments
Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on July 28, 2014 at 9:09 PM
The Jewelwing is well seen and exquisitely photographed, and stands out well against the BG. Boy, do I wish that big white blotch wasn't there! :smile:
Registered on July 24, 2006, 2741 Posts, 12349 Comments
Comment posted by scott lanz on July 28, 2014 at 10:58 PM
Beautiful color and super detail in the DF, Jim. Nice comp and dof management for maintaining focus for the entire subject. :toast:
Registered on November 14, 2003, 840 Posts, 12902 Comments
Comment posted by Mark Seaver on July 29, 2014 at 4:30 PM
Very nice, Jim. I've chased these critters more than once and they are indeed a challenge. You've done very well here with good detail in the wings, iridescence along the entire body, and great sharpness. The hair on the legs really stands out.
Registered on January 23, 2011, 1103 Posts, 17270 Comments
Comment posted by Howard Cheek on July 29, 2014 at 5:36 PM
You were definitely up to the challenge, excellent result Jim.
No nits from me! :toast: :toast:
Post script: Sure wish we had this species here, she sure is a beauty. :wavey:
Registered on July 24, 2008, 1201 Posts, 10758 Comments
Comment posted by Gary Reed on July 29, 2014 at 7:30 PM
Nice detail. Really find the blotch distracting.
Registered on September 19, 2009, 198 Posts, 1074 Comments
Comment posted by Albert Darmo on July 30, 2014 at 10:39 PM
Hi Jim :wavey: Scott echoed my thoughts perfectly :toast:

Albert Darmo
Canada
Registered on November 25, 2008, 1386 Posts, 11978 Comments