“Make sure the eyes are in focus.” I can’t even count the number of times that I have read or heard these words of advice, which I usually try to follow, even when taking extreme close-up macro shots.
These are the compound eyes of the Autumn Medowhawk dragonfly (Sympetrum vicinum), a close relative of the Blue-faced Meadowhawk that I have featured in several postings recently. I took this shot on a cool day when the dragonfly was perched on a tree, trying to warm itself in the warmth of the sun. The camera’s aperture setting was in a middle range at f/9.0, but with the subject this close, the depth of field was pretty shallow and the eyes are pretty much the only portions of the dragonfly in focus (in addition to small section of the wings and the front legs).
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Wow – Mike, some of your photos are amazing. this is one.
Great tip, I am trying to learn photography and improve my end results. This will really help me.
The eyes definitely have it. The photo also follows the other advice I keep reading to have odd numbers – three areas in focus.
That’s a great macro and what amazing eyes! It’s no wonder they’re so good at catching other insects in mid air.
The composition is great too in this picture. Love it!
Thanks. I liked the way that the body fell out of focus so quickly, which let me have a simple, but powerful composition.
Amazing capture – love it!
Thanks. Dragonflies always have a kind of magical attraction for me.
Dragonflies always remind me of our time living in Darwin. There seemed to be one week each year the air was thick with dragonflies. It was simply incredible! 🙂