I stopped by a local pond Friday afternoon on a whim and ended up sitting on the bank for over five hours. I don't know enough about these fascinating creatures, yet, so I'm not sure what prompted this outbreak but these Eastern Amberwings were swarming like bees. Everywhere I looked they were catching prey, harassing each other, mating, and generally just doing what Dragonflies do. I was so focused on catching some action, working on my "landing capture" technique, adjusting settings, trying out some focus-stacking, and scanning the lillypads, that I thought of nothing else for those five hours. My head was completely clear of any outside interference. A total escape from everyday issues and problems. I may have inadvertently discovered what it is about nature photography that keeps me coming back.
OM-1 MK ll Olympus 100-400
Thanks for taking a look !
Gary
" When despair grows in me
and I wake in the night at the least sound
in fear of what my life and children's life may be,
I go and lie down where the Wood Drake
rests in his beauty on the water, and the Great Heron feeds
I come into the peace of the wild things
who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief
I come into the presence of still water
and I feel above me the day-blind stars
waiting for their light
For a time I rest in the grace of the world
and am free."
Wendell Berry
A delight to view Gary. There are quite a few very similar images that could be reduced down to the best of the similar ones. Still your photos are superb.
I feel the same about nature and wildlife photography. It's a great way to become on with one's self.
morris wrote:
A delight to view Gary. There are quite a few very similar images that could be reduced down to the best of the similar ones. Still your photos are superb.
I feel the same about nature and wildlife photography. It's a great way to become on with one's self.
Morris
Interesting Morris. I can't say that I agree but I respect your opinion. Appreciate the input.
Wonderful set Gary ! They are beautiful little dragonflies . Love the coming in for the lading shots , well actually love them all. Time very well spent . Love the poem !
A bit of trivia - In number 22 , I have read there are a few reasons that dragonflies when perched will hold their tails or rather abdomen straight up - 1. Temperature regulation. 2. To show dominance 3. To attract mates.
Gary, these are pure eye candy. Both your shooting technique and processing technique are my envy. I love the color coordination in these, and of course the ever fascinating Dragonfly behaviors you've capture. I started trying to pick favorites and gave up.
P.S. You really do have a very sharp copy of the 100-400mm!
louie champan wrote:
Everyone needs a morning like that from time to time, good for you. And by the looks of your images it was well worth the time spent. Great job!!
Thank you Louie
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birdied wrote:
Wonderful set Gary ! They are beautiful little dragonflies . Love the coming in for the lading shots , well actually love them all. Time very well spent . Love the poem !
A bit of trivia - In number 22 , I have read there are a few reasons that dragonflies when perched will hold their tails or rather abdomen straight up - 1. Temperature regulation. 2. To show dominance 3. To attract mates.
Birdie
Appreciate the comments Birdie. Well, it was a very hot afternoon and there were tons of these little guys buzzing all around so it may have been for all three of those reasons
Gary, as far as I am concerned, post another 50! Absolutely outstanding. I call these "Blue Sky Days" for landscapes, and "Critter Days" for wildlife. There is absolutely nothing like it! So glad you had this wonderful day and thank you for sharing it with us! YGMV!!
gmccroskery wrote:
Gary, these are pure eye candy. Both your shooting technique and processing technique are my envy. I love the color coordination in these, and of course the ever fascinating Dragonfly behaviors you've capture. I started trying to pick favorites and gave up.
P.S. You really do have a very sharp copy of the 100-400mm!
Greg
Thanks so much for the comments Greg.
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Erictator wrote:
Another terrific set! I can almost hear the chant Gary...
My thoughts to your thoughts. Our minds are merging. Our minds are one. I feel what you feel. I know what you know.
mjgphotoz wrote:
Gary, as far as I am concerned, post another 50! Absolutely outstanding. I call these "Blue Sky Days" for landscapes, and "Critter Days" for wildlife. There is absolutely nothing like it! So glad you had this wonderful day and thank you for sharing it with us! YGMV!!
Mary
Thanks so much Mary. Really appreciate the feedback
