My experience is that about 10% of dragonflies will allow you to get close enough to photograph, IF you move slowly with no quick movements. Also, if you accidentally make too quick a movement after getting close to one, and it flies off, just wait for a short while. Sometimes they will come back to their original spot. I almost always use a camera mounted external flash with a good diffuser for insects. It allows me to use small apertures for maximum depth of field, low ISO for maximum detail, and the short duration of the flash virtually eliminates motion blur. I like shooting either in overcast conditions, or provide my own shade with a broad brim hat, or use my body to shade the subject. This keeps the diffused light from the flash nice and soft, and minimizes the chance of ghost images when the available light starts getting close to the flash exposure.
In general, I can agree with your comments. Insects are very different, just like people. Stalking is always a good idea, as is taking your time. This allowed me to take good photos of dragonflies in unexpected situations. I would also like to recommend taking photos before sunrise (or shortly after), as the dragonflies are still very sluggish (or sleeping??) during this time. It is also possible to improve the photo with your own backgrounds during this time. A big plus at this time is that almost all dragonflies are covered in dew drops (really cool photos).
Dragonflies are very territorial. So what i do is find a stick perch. A stick poking clear of the water. Then i set up there and wait. The Dragonflies come and go. But one will own the perch and chase others away. Its so easy to do. No walking not much focusing and ive even had success with a phone. Either way these are very interesting bugs. A fun day out at the pond for me.
One thing that I've noticed about dragonflies is that they will frequently come back to the same perch, so if they fly away before you get a shot, just wait a short while and it will come back to the same spot, then get your shot!
Great video. You got some lovely photos during your time at the reserve. Looking forward to the photographing them in flight video, as that is something I have struggled with, lol.
Nice video. Dragonflies and Damselflies (Dragons and Damsels) are among my favorite subjects. If your camera has pre-capture capability, try focusing on the stick or branch upon which they continually return and capture some in-flight shots as they are coming in for a landing. Beautiful creatures. Thank you for sharing.
Capturing a Dragon Fly in Flight is easy, just watch it and every so often it will hover for a second or so, it tends to repeat itself and often lands on the same branch or so time and time again, anticipate its move, Great video and looking forwards to your next one. Well done.
A very informative video but as I am over 3 times your age I find getting into the positions that you achieved are impossible for me. I had your Canon 100mm 2.8 for years but I had to give it up. All my Dragonflly pictures are now taken with a 100-400 mm lens. This has the advantage, for me, of easily taking them from a distance without disturbing them and still getting sharp images. The last picture I took was of a Lesser Emperor in the middle of a steam resting on a reed. Not really possible with a macro lens, it was at least 3-4 mtrs from the river bank.
Well done Holly you got some nice shots there. My best dragonfly day was at Hickling Broad with some good friends: ruclips.net/video/lOxG4cyyYno/видео.htmlsi=SJ5y6jP4JoDaFl0X I too am a Canon user (70D) but don't have a macro lens. For dragonflies I do seem to get good results with my 55-250 IS STM lens though. Right, just off to check out the rest of your channel! 👍🤓👍
Well done! Appreciate the effort you’ve put in to making this video! Greetings from a Swedish youtuber! 🇸🇪
I really enjoyed your video.
It has such a peaceful and relaxing vibe, beautifully connected to nature💚
You got my subscription!
My experience is that about 10% of dragonflies will allow you to get close enough to photograph, IF you move slowly with no quick movements. Also, if you accidentally make too quick a movement after getting close to one, and it flies off, just wait for a short while. Sometimes they will come back to their original spot. I almost always use a camera mounted external flash with a good diffuser for insects. It allows me to use small apertures for maximum depth of field, low ISO for maximum detail, and the short duration of the flash virtually eliminates motion blur. I like shooting either in overcast conditions, or provide my own shade with a broad brim hat, or use my body to shade the subject. This keeps the diffused light from the flash nice and soft, and minimizes the chance of ghost images when the available light starts getting close to the flash exposure.
Thanks for sharing your tips! I haven’t tried out an external flash yet but hopefully one day!
In general, I can agree with your comments. Insects are very different, just like people. Stalking is always a good idea, as is taking your time. This allowed me to take good photos of dragonflies in unexpected situations.
I would also like to recommend taking photos before sunrise (or shortly after), as the dragonflies are still very sluggish (or sleeping??) during this time.
It is also possible to improve the photo with your own backgrounds during this time. A big plus at this time is that almost all dragonflies are covered in dew drops (really cool photos).
Dragonflies are very territorial. So what i do is find a stick perch. A stick poking clear of the water. Then i set up there and wait. The Dragonflies come and go. But one will own the perch and chase others away. Its so easy to do. No walking not much focusing and ive even had success with a phone.
Either way these are very interesting bugs. A fun day out at the pond for me.
That’s another great idea! Thanks
One thing that I've noticed about dragonflies is that they will frequently come back to the same perch, so if they fly away before you get a shot, just wait a short while and it will come back to the same spot, then get your shot!
Yes! This is a great tip! Thankyou
Great video. You got some lovely photos during your time at the reserve. Looking forward to the photographing them in flight video, as that is something I have struggled with, lol.
Thankyou !
Nice video. Dragonflies and Damselflies (Dragons and Damsels) are among my favorite subjects. If your camera has pre-capture capability, try focusing on the stick or branch upon which they continually return and capture some in-flight shots as they are coming in for a landing. Beautiful creatures. Thank you for sharing.
Thankyou so much! That’s a great tip!
Thank you for this topic. Great video.
Glad you liked it!
Thank you! Lovely video. Just got back from a macro session by our local lakes. Found all that you say is true.
Wonderful! Hope you got some good shots!
I photograph dragonflies on my balcony. No need for a tele lens, I can get as close as 1 cm. They are wonderful creatures!
Nice film Holly. I shoot dragonflies with a long lens to avoid scaring them away. Like everything this approach has pros and cons. All the best.
I get as close as 1 centimeter, they are not afraid of humans, they are our friends!
Capturing a Dragon Fly in Flight is easy, just watch it and every so often it will hover for a second or so, it tends to repeat itself and often lands on the same branch or so time and time again, anticipate its move, Great video and looking forwards to your next one. Well done.
Great video Holly. Very informative. It's nice to see young people take an interest in photography. Cheers!
Thanks so much! :)
Amazing! And so many great photos at the end 👏
Great video Holly, very informative.
Glad you think so!
Really enjoyed this video, the first I’ve watched after just discovering your channel today. Look forward to watching more; thank you!
Very informative, great video 👍
Glad it was helpful! Thankyou!
A very informative video but as I am over 3 times your age I find getting into the positions that you achieved are impossible for me. I had your Canon 100mm 2.8 for years but I had to give it up. All my Dragonflly pictures are now taken with a 100-400 mm lens. This has the advantage, for me, of easily taking them from a distance without disturbing them and still getting sharp images. The last picture I took was of a Lesser Emperor in the middle of a steam resting on a reed. Not really possible with a macro lens, it was at least 3-4 mtrs from the river bank.
a very nice video Holly on one of my favourite summer/autumn subjects. *SUBBED*
Awesome! Thank you!
Well done Holly you got some nice shots there. My best dragonfly day was at Hickling Broad with some good friends: ruclips.net/video/lOxG4cyyYno/видео.htmlsi=SJ5y6jP4JoDaFl0X
I too am a Canon user (70D) but don't have a macro lens. For dragonflies I do seem to get good results with my 55-250 IS STM lens though.
Right, just off to check out the rest of your channel! 👍🤓👍
Thankyou !