Black Saddlebags dragonflies (Tramea lacerata) spend most of their time flying, so it was a rare treat to spot this beautiful female perching recently at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. In the second image you can see the distinctive blotches on the dragonfly’s wings that make it look like it is wearing saddlebags, but the first image is my overwhelming favorite—the unique pose, the delicate coloration of the eyes, and the “artsy” overall feel of the first shot produce an emotional reaction in me than the more clinical second shot.
Do you prefer one image more than the other?
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Such beauties! Both images are outstanding!
Thanks, Roda. It is probably a bit more accurate that I like each of the images for different reasons.
I agree!
I love how, in the top image, she looks amazed at the rose hip, almost caressing it, with her gossamer wings draping regally.
Beautifully said, Ellen. Your poetic description really fits the image well.
Yes, I like both images Mike and thank you for posting them. I was particularly interested in the first one because of the unusual clarity of the legs. I’m continually amazed how bunched up their legs are! It was also fantastic view the second image and see the wings so clearly. I really loved both images and I enjoy your photography so much!
Thanks, Liz. I love to go out and attempt to capture the beauty that I see and usually will share those images that I like the most. Sometimes they will be ones that others respond to as well, but not always. Thanks for all of your encouragement and kind words.
I’m an enthusiastic visitor to your blog 🙂 Have you seen the guest post on Beauty at my blog yet?
I just saw it and commented on it. It is very thought-provoking, but a bit too ethereal and dare I say elitist in my view,
Mike! I’m delighted you visited and left some honest discussion of your own. Thank you for being frank. I want to get different perspectives on “Beauty” in the series and I’d welcome a guest post from yourself if you’d like to do it. Do let me know if you’d like to put one together 🙂