It is said that "only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun", well I headed out to my usual lowland heath site in the hope of finding some 'dragons'. The sun was slowly climbing towards its zenith and with a very strong breeze blowing I soon realised there would be a number of challenges; (1) finding a subject that was perched; (2) keeping the camera steady as I had left the tripod at home to reduce weight! and (3) camera settings [something that is still very hit and miss for me] to compensate for the strong, glaring sunlight bouncing off the boggy water with the subjects often well below my feet.
My first sighting was a flying male Emperor Dragonfly for which I still need a decent image but it never rested and with the sun shining in my face focusing was near impossible and all attempted flight shots went straight in the bin. I then spotted a female drop down onto the surface of the small pool and start ovipositing.
I tried a number of settings and this was the best of the bunch.
"Patience is a virtue" rang in my ears so I decided to take a stroll to a wooded area on another part of the common and return to the acidic boggy pools when the sun and my subjects would hopefully be in a better position. The shade of the leafy canopy had a calming and cooling effect as I listened to the sounds of calling Wren, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Chiffchaff and then a male Redstart flitting from tree to tree and warning its friends that an interloper had entered its territory. Chaffinches plus two young Woodlarks were also spotted feeding on the pathway way ahead of me but despite my creep quietly skills they waited until I was nearly in range before flying off!
Feeling refreshed I headed out onto the sun-baked open heath and back to the boardwalk where the first sightings were good numbers of Keeled Skimmers dashing back and forth. Again patience was the name of the game...stop...sit still...watch and wait...monitor their movements and identify a likely perching position. You can view the results (previous post) in the link above.
Moving a little further along the boardwalk another species, FOUR-SPOTTED CHASERS (Libellula quadrimaculata), were also very active with a number of males patrolling their respective territories. From time to time they seek out a vantage point, on any tall marginal vegetation, to wait for passing females or to regularly launch aggressive attacks on their rivals.
Lucky for me an immature female decided to rest awhile.
Taking a firm grip to counter the breeze!
Eventually patience paid off as another male in good condition perches relatively close.
All these shots were taken with the 450D plus 70-300 zoom lens using 'Aperture Priority' and the settings ranged from F/7.1 - F/10; 1/250 - 1/320. If you have any other tips regarding settings etc. to achieve consistent quality shots then I would love to hear from you.......FAB.
Frank, each of these selections are incredible, wonderful macros, out standing~
ReplyDeleteThey are difficult to capture.The only decent flight shot I got was when I watched a dragon fly the same route over and over so I fixed the focus manually and fired every time it passed that spot. Still lots thrown away. I think getting the speed and depth of field needed requires very good lighting conditions, even when they are stationary. Gusty wind doesn't help either
ReplyDeleteLove the first photo.
You have some great results here Frank. I tend to use a 70-200mm or 100-400mm lens. On the 40D I can set three pre set settings. One of those settings is basically Program mode and "AI Focus" with "Partial" metering. Another setting is Program mode and "AI Focus" with 'Spot' metering. I mostly use the "Partial" metering setting for butterflies and dragons. On your 450D if you set it to Program mode "P" and "AI Focus"with partial metering you should get good results. I only use the spot metering when the subject is in an area with either bright light behind it or if it is in an area with lots of other distracting subjects around it.
ReplyDeletePatience was rewarded it seems. Some good shots there. Like Roy l tend to use partial metering and spot for the same reasons given. AI focus is also something else I use unless the subject is completely static.
ReplyDeleteI still need/want to explore Thursley so if you feel like a return trip and fancy being a guide?
Never easy shooting into the sun Frank, and dragons can be hit and miss at the best of times.
ReplyDeleteThat last one is a lovely shot mate.
Stunning shots, Frank. Enjoyed this post immensely.
ReplyDeleteMad or not Frank, I do the same. Out in the midday sun chasing Flutters and Dragons :-)
ReplyDeleteMary. Ta very much.
ReplyDeleteJohn. Thanks..and hopefully next time it will be a calmer day for some flight shots.
Roy. Appreciate your detailed feedback...will try it out.
Tricia. Making fairly regular trips so let me know when you are available.
Bad Girl. Watching is far easier than writing...but I try my best and you never stop learning.
Keith. Cheers my friend.
Mona. Thank you.
Warren. Don't forget the 'birds'!
These are all excellelnt shots but that first one is gorgeous. They are difficult to capture so I am impressed.
ReplyDeleteI am also impressed with your captures. I esp. liked seeing the female's mighty grip on that stalk. What a wonder. ~karen
ReplyDeleteHi Joanne. Thanks. It was one of my better days.
ReplyDeleteHi Karen. If only I could keep the camera as still as she did in the breeze..lol.