As we wander through spring, new photographic subjects will appear every day. There seems to be Red Admiral and Painted Lady Butterflies out and about in this north central (WI) U.S. location. Those butterflies have a northern migration and can also hibernate, meaning that the warm early spring probably brought them out very early.  The real start to the dragonfly season is in summer so their best days have not yet occurred.

I use many of the same photographic disciplines with DFs that I do with birds or flowers. Clean and simple is a good starting point. Keeping the viewer’s vision focused on your subject, gives them an orderly way to appreciate the natural art and beauty of these creatures.  My philosophy has always been, as photographers we can create art, or be a witness to nature’s art and faithfully pass that art along to others via our cameras. One is just as important as the other. Longer close-up lenses in the 200-300mm category are nice for eliminating distracting backgrounds and giving your subject some space. I personally have a love for getting in very tight. The detail in insects is the most spectacular part, and DFs are no exception. I do include backgrounds in my images when either that background works artistically, or I want to provide the natural history information in an effort to educate.

Depth of field and/or point of focus is extremely important when you are working up close with little animals. The basic rule of thumb is shoot for the eyes. The entire head comes next and then the body. When the wings are spread both towards you and away, you will often have to sacrifice the sharpness on one or both of them. That rarely distracts and often adds to the total image. Of course there is always room to attempt your own artistic interpretation of any subject.

Many species of dragonflies hunt from a perch, making it reasonably easy to photograph them. If you frighten one away and remain quiet, it will usually return to that same spot. They are also territorial and will often want to watch their area from the best position. Even if they fly in an effort to drive off an invader, they will return to their favorite perch most of the time.

Photographing DFs in flight is no simple chore.  With some of today’s 20+ mega pixel cameras with sensors that produce minimal noise at 1200 ISO, it is now possible to get non-flash images of flying dragons.  I have seen some incredible photos.  I have never personally made a great shot of a flying dragonfly. There is of course always room for that creative interpretation, and a motion blurred DF image can work too.

I can never stress enough, the extent in which you can both fill, and fulfill your photographic life once you begin to make pictures of little critters and other small things.  The world and your view of it will change when you begin to see all of the “little stuff” that makes up the big stuff.

I hope all of you have a great spring/summer/ fall as you Master the Dragon.

On the equipment front, for you Nikon users, I saw an image of Nikon’s 1200-1700 zoom lens.  You will need a mule train (or freight train) to accompany you into the field, to carry this behemoth.   The longest lens I have used was Nikon’s 800mm 5.6.  It was a rental that I carried on a trip in the mid 1980s.  The lenses of that era were double the weight of today’s long lenses, which meant my hike through two wildlife refuges left me exhausted and sore.  Still it was an amazing piece of glass.

Time is in the mind of the beholder.  Time would seem to be a scientific fact until something alters your perception.  When you are trying to make it through the final few days of work or school, so you can leave on vacation…..well those days can seem a bit long.  That vacation however, will only contain about 2 hours to the day.  Lives’ with no express purpose, have days that last a year .  If you are like me and love to live “on the go”.  If you live to explore and discover what’s around the next curve, then take advantage of each and every opportunity.  Imagine if you pass up that next photo trip, or that drive in the country, and then you lose the ability to continue to do so.  Every trip adds another stone to the mountain of life.  Another memory.  Life contains equal amounts of prisons and open roads.  Chose wisely while you can.  Freedom is one of “this worlds” most valuable commodities.  Don’t waste it.

Have a great day and go out and create some art.

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