I've been after one of these guys for about 2 weeks. They dodge bullets (flash) in ETTL mode and zip around like crazy in daylight, which is about the only time I see them. But if you get them before they've had their morning coffee, then you're set.

Nice shot. They are colourful aren't they.

Mark

Good one- nice dolichopid fly- yes they are a bit of a challenge with flash - Ive taken many shots of the bottom of their legs
Brian V.

The only way I've been able to photograph these things is to use manual flash which does not include the short pre-flash that frightens these flies. I have a set of usable values worked out for common magnifications with my rig. At least you will get one shot that way! I'm sure many others do this as needed, of course.

I prefer to photograph these flies in natural light, as they seem to stick around longer.

Bushman wrote:
I prefer to photograph these flies in natural light, as they seem to stick around longer.
Could you talk about your technique a little? Half the challenge is getting these guys before they scuttle to a different part of the leaf or fly off, even before I take a shot.

Great capture! I also adore these flies and struggle hard to frame them, but that's part of the fun/challenge, too. Gotta love these eyes, and colourful bodies