Rainbow dragonfly

September 27, 2019 by Mike Powell

Last week I spotted this male Common Green Darner dragonfly (Anax junius) while exploring with fellow photographer and dragonfly enthusiast Walter Sanford . This beauty was part of a swarm of dragonflies we observed that was probably preparing for migration.

As I processed these images I was struck by the wonderful range of colors on this dragonfly’s body. As its name suggests, a Common Green Darner has lots of green, but this one also has beautiful shades of blue and violet. I have included two images that may look very similar, but in fact were taken with two different cameras from the same spot.

In the first shot, I zoomed in close with my SX50 super zoom camera to try to capture as much detail as I could. I took the second shot with a fixed-focus lens. The heavy vegetation did not permit me to get any closer, so I tried to compose the image to include more of the environment.

Personally I like the second shot a bit more than the first—I prefer the additional “breathing space” around the subject and I think the second shot is a little sharper. Do you prefer one of them over the other?

Posted in Art, Autumn, Dragonflies, dragonfly, Insects, Nature, wildlife | Tagged Anax junius, Canon 50D, Common Green Darner, Common Green Darner dragonfly, Lorton VA, Old Colchester Park and Preserve, Tamron 180mm | 16 Comments

16 Responses

on September 27, 2019 at 5:30 am | Reply Steve Gingold

Insect coloration is often quite beautiful as your darner displays. My favorite is the dogbane beetle but so many are favorite contenders.
- on September 27, 2019 at 5:33 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  It is interesting how insects (and birds) run to extremes. Some of them have developed coloration that allows them to hide and remain camouflaged, while others are so brightly colored that they are almost impossible to miss.
  - on September 27, 2019 at 5:38 am Steve Gingold
    
    Yes. I think in many cases the highly colored species are a warning to potential predators. Not all as some are also for mating attraction but I think survival is the prime factor. Of course, mating assures survival of the species too.
on September 27, 2019 at 8:42 am | Reply Ted Jennings - TPJ Photography

Wow, these are spectacular 👍
on September 27, 2019 at 2:50 pm | Reply Reed Andariese

Very Nice Mike!! This is a tough one! I keep going back & forth on which one I like best! I guess if I had to pick one, it would be the larger one. Mainly because there is less background, so it stands out more.
on September 27, 2019 at 4:45 pm | Reply Dan Antion

I like both, Mike but I like the close-up detail of the first one. It’s so cool to see him hanging on.
- on September 28, 2019 at 2:40 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Dan. Most of the dragonflies that folks are accustomed to seeing are from the skimmer family, whose members generally perch horizontally. The darner family dragonflies (and others like the emeralds) tend to hang vertically. The different perching habits help me sometimes to make quick identifications in the field.
on September 27, 2019 at 7:27 pm | Reply Eliza Waters

Both images have merit, although it is nice to see the details so clearly in the closeup. I really like the shadow of the wing on the plant.
- on September 28, 2019 at 2:35 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks, Eliza. I too love the way that wings cast their shadow on several part of the vegetation. As for the details, it’s hard for me to be objective. I have the simultaneous advantage and disadvantage of knowing what these creatures look like from close up, so sometimes focus on aesthetic considerations more. One of the primary reasons why I like to hear the views of others is my knowledge that I am biased when it comes to my own images.
on September 29, 2019 at 5:12 pm | Reply dianaed14

You take such great images of damsel/dragon flies. Only wish that I had your quick eye and dedication
- on September 29, 2019 at 9:48 pm | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks for your kind words, Diana. Over the course of the past few years, I have become increasingly familiar with the habits and habitats of certain dragonfly/damselflies. That additional knowledge and a whole lot of hours walking around help me to capture the kinds of images that I do. I like the term “dedication” that you used, though I usually call it persistence with a touch of stubbornness. 🙂
on September 29, 2019 at 8:05 pm | Reply kenneturner

Reblogged this on Becoming is Superior to Being and commented:
If you are into dragonflies, this is a site you should be following. — kenne
on September 30, 2019 at 3:17 am | Reply Ms. Liz

Both images are worth seeing! I loved getting a good look at the colours in the close-up. To me this dragonfly is very special, the green reminding me of our greenstone or pounamu – much prized in NZ, and the gorgeous blue reminding me of polished paua shell (known elsewhere as abalone).
on October 2, 2019 at 4:21 pm | Reply Ellen Jennings

I prefer the second with the extra space and more of the surroundings. Both are nice captures and what amazing colors!
- on October 3, 2019 at 6:55 am | Reply Mike Powell
  
  Thanks for sharing your views, Ellen. It’s interesting to see that I am not alone in having a preference for the second shot. For some reason I am at a moment in my photography in which I like it when my photos have a little breathing room (or negative space) around my subject, rather than be zoomed in or cropped too tightly.
  - on October 4, 2019 at 8:35 am Ellen Jennings
    
    You’re welcome, Mike! Portraits have their place, but I’m with you about images that negative space being more appealing. I think part of it is it gives the viewer more of a feeling that they are out there where you saw the wildlife.