In some of the locations that I visit, Blue Dasher dragonflies (Pachydiplax longipennis) are the most common species that I encounter. They are pretty easy to photograph, because they hunt by perching and waiting for suitable prey to come within range. When it does, they dart from their position to catch it and often return to the same perch.
Over the years, I am sure that I have taken hundreds of photos of Blue Dashers, but I still enjoy trying to capture new and potentially better images of these beautiful little dragonflies. Blue Dashers have a special place in my heart in part because my very first posting on this blog almost eight years ago featured a photo of one. My gear has changed over those eight years, but my approach has remained pretty consistent. If you are curious about the kind of images I was capturing way back then, check out the posting that was entitle simply “Blue Dasher dragonfly.”
One thing that has changed, though, is that I now have a greater appreciation for female dragonflies, which are generally less colorful than their male counterparts. Some might see the females as drab and uninteresting, but I often find a special beauty in them that is more subtle and refined than the garish males.
The images below are shots of female Blue Dashers that I have taken during the month of June. The final photo shows a younger female with brighter colors and a more distinct pattern on her abdomen. The first two images feature a more mature female—both sexes of Blues Dashers develop a waxy, frosted color with age, a phenomenon known as “pruinescence.” One of the coolest features of these females is their two-toned eyes, with a prominent red color on the top half of the large compound eyes.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Your dragonfly photos are awesome!! I used to be afraid of dragonflies when I was younger. I remember there were plenty of them near the lake where we lived, which prevented me from dipping in the water. I’ve heard Native Americans believe that the souls of the departed reside in these creatures. As such, they are considered messengers from other realms that can communicate through our dreams. Pretty cool huh? 🙂
Thanks, Debby. There are quite a few myths surrounding dragonflies throughout the world. I believe that in Asia there is a similar belief as the one you mentioned regarding Native Americans. Here is in the US, I have heard of people growing up believing the dragonflies could sew your lips shut. I love them primarily because of their beauty and acrobatic skills and their amazing transformation from water-dwelling nymphs to aerial acrobats.
It is an interesting species for sure. I’ve once heard someone say that in Laos they believe that if you dream that you are eating a dragonfly it suggests that you are consumed by some sort of passion, even at the risk of offending or hurting another person’s feelings. Whether this is true or not I do not know, but what I do know is that they usually symbolize lightness, frivolity, and fickleness, and that I absolutely love your work!
Nice Mike! Great images! They are one of my favorite dragonflies!
Oh Mike that front on first shot is a winner! Such clarity and great detail!
Thanks, Chris. My friend Walter, with whom I shoot sometimes doesn’t care for that head-on angle of view, because most of the body of the dragonfly is out of focus. I love to get this type of shot, because I think it engages the viewer more when you have that kind of eye contact.
I love the middle photo. Reminds me of denim jeans I had a long time ago, deep blue with orange stitching.
A real beauty to be sure, and your capture of the two-tone eyes is simply spectacular!
Thanks, Gary. From certain angles, you can only see one of the colors of the eyes, which is one of the reasons why I try to get shots from as many angles as possible. I never know what new details may be revealed when I look at my subject from a different perspective.
Yeah, just like with folks!
Nice head shot, Mike!!!
Thanks, Steve. When I can get it, it is may favorite way to photograph a dragonfly, even though it does not capture the details of the body.
Me too, Mike. Generally “the eyes have it”. 🙂