Today' dragon shots

[AndMan]

Went out yesterday to shoot other than macro, but having been buzzed by the biggest damn dragonfly I've ever seen (I could easily see it in flight at 20 yards - bright green/blue) and having failed to catch it (I can't walk on water :doh) I came upon these guys. The harsh sun washed out the colour in some.

I liked the fact that you can see the light refracting off the wing as well as the membrane and the shadow of the wings.
http://andmanphotography.smugmug.com/photos/365614256_GwfUi-L.jpg

A tighter crop to see the effect.
http://andmanphotography.smugmug.com/photos/365614944_3UYjV-L.jpg

I was diligently stalking this chap (and doing my best Elmer Fudd impression) as he sat on a thorn bush. I had managed to get in to a decent position (and pick up a few scratches) when an exuberant dog sent him off in a hurry. :tough
http://andmanphotography.smugmug.com/photos/365614800_Kqp5v-L.jpg

Heading back to the car I came across this chap, He flew off when I got close. It wasn't until I brought the captures up on the PC that I saw what he was doing.

http://andmanphotography.smugmug.com/photos/365615479_rRxCo-L.jpg

Closer crop (worse picture) "No stone left unturned".
Perhaps one of our dragon experts can explain the behavior.
http://andmanphotography.smugmug.com/photos/365615670_LR8uL-L.jpg

C & C always welcome.

I hope you enjoy.

Peter

[Lord Vetinari]

Good series - like #3 best. These are all darter dragonflies- sounds like you were buzzed by a hawker.
Brian V.