I will often shoot the same subjects over and over again. Each photo opportunity offers the possibility of a difference setting, a different pose, and different lighting conditions. I guess that is why I like the excitement and unpredictability of nature photography versus the more controlled environment of studio photography.
Last week I captured this image of a female Big Bluet damselfly (Enallagma durum) at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The single leaf on which the damselfly is perched makes for a simple composition that helps the subject to stand out, which is really important when the subject is so small. The sunlight helped to create a cool elongated shadow on the leaf that add additional visual interest to the shot. The minimal color palette works well too, I think.
Sometimes it is nice to have a little extra drama in our lives, even if it is only a dramatic damselfly.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
I love her shadow on the leaf, Mike. As you know, I’ve been taking pictures of the CT River and city of Hartford from the same place for years. Somehow, I always seem to find something in the river or with the light that catches my eye. When you’re out in nature, it’s never really the same place.
I so enjoyed this post, Mike. The discussion on drama, light, shadow. The photo is exquisite; with the shadow, the tiny cobweb, the elegant damselfly, and the platform leaf.
It looks like a sleek sports car. 😀
Drama is fractal. It works in all scales. Here, it works really well!
The shadow is monstrous.. you’d think its own shadow would frighten it away 😉
I really like it when shadows are unusually distorted, especially late in the day when they can get to be really long,
Nice Mike! Like the shadow!
I like the shadow of the eyes especially and all the prismatic effects on the wings. Lots of drama.