You know you are pretty close to a dragonfly when you can see individual grains of pollen on its head and body. I photographed this Uhler’s Sundragon dragonfly (Helocordulia uhleri) on 12 April alongside a creek in Northern Virginia. Ideally it would be best to stabilize macro shots taken at this close a range by placing the camera on a tripod, but in a field situation with a live subject, that is rarely possible.
If you click on the individual images, you will see some wonderful details, like the ommatidia, the individual optical units that make up the amazing compound eyes of these dragonflies.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Excellent close-up work, Mike.
Thanks, Dan. I have to really pay attention to technique when shooting that close because the lens has no built-in stabilization and the slightest movement may blur the shot.
Wow, fantastic. Looks a little sci-fi-ish, Mike. A good sign of spring, too. I love those lacy wings and individual hairs.
Thanks, Jet. I can definitely feel the sci-fi vibe. For me, the appearance of dragonflies means that spring is definitely here.
Using one word to describe these photos : Fantabulous!! Benjamin has not been here for almost a week, but will be here tomorrow. He will be ecstatic! Thank-you!
Thanks, Ellen. I suspect Benjamin will want to see these shots blown-up so that he can examine all of the wonderful details.
What remarkable facility they have for gripping on to things!
It is really cool to see how their tiny feet are able to hold on tight to their perches, even when the wind is blowing.