I do not recall seeing a single Russet-tipped Clubtail dragonfly (Stylurus plagiatus) last year, but I am more than making up for it this year. I have already done postings this month of female and male Russet-tipped Clubtails that I spotted during trips to Jackson Miles Abbott Wetland Refuge and was pleased to spot some more last week at a different location.
The first time that I see a species each year, I am extremely happy to capture any shot at all. If I am fortunate enough to have additional sightings, I will work to get a better shot, even though I know that I risk scaring the subject away. I traveled to Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge twice last week and was delighted to spot a male Russet-tipped Clubtail each time.
My subjects last week chose very different perches—one flew up into a tree and one was in some vegetation lower to the ground—so I used different approaches for each one. When the dragonfly in the first photo initially landed in the tree, I was facing into the light and the details of the dragonfly were lost in the shadows. I was able to circle around so that the sun was to my back and managed to find a shooting angle that allowed me to avoid other branches and have the blue sky as the background.
My second subject was hanging vertically and was facing away from me. My initial shots captured the beautiful details of the wings, but the background was so close that I could not blur it out and it was somewhat cluttered in the images. I moved to the side and was able to compose the second shot below that eliminated the problem with the background. Yes, I sacrificed some wing detail, but in return I got a pose that is much more pleasing. We now have a better view of the eyes and the dragonfly has some personality—he almost looks like he is talking to me.
In photography, as in many other areas, it is the results that count. I could have simply shown you the photos and left it at that. However, I thought some of you might enjoy a brief peek inside of my head, a sense of my mental process as I was shooting. Quite often I opportunistically shoot whatever presents itself to me, but in situations like this I made some conscious decisions to improve my situation. In both cases I was able to get some better shots, which is why you see some more Russet-tipped Clubtails today.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Saw you on Dan’s blog and I’m so glad I clicked over — your photos are beautiful! I only recently saw a dragonfly at our house and was surprised to see it looked different than the ones at the lake. Who knew there were so many lovely ones out there!
Thanks, Laura. There are lots of cool dragonflies around, though the specific species depend a lot on where you live and the kinds of habitats that you visit. During the summer, dragonflies and damselflies are my favorite subjects and in the colder weather I photograph mostly birds. Actually, though, I am willing to photograph almost anything that catches my eye. 🙂
Both are interests of mine (though I can’t call it a hobby since I mostly admire and don’t really gather knowledge). At first I missed our old backyard with its active hummingbird and cardinal community but we’ve established a feeder at our new house. There are so many beautiful birds to watch and even two red tailed hawks that occasionally perch on our fence.
I am convinced that there is natural beauty everywhere. Sometimes you have to look harder for it, but it’s there–I especially love using my macro lens, which helps to open up details that we don’t usually see.
Very nice portraits. It was well worth the effort, and thank you for the tour of the inside of your head.
when you work harder for a better shot, we win.
Thanks, Dan. Sometimes it results in “the one that got away,” but it is worth the risk to get a few good ones.
Both views are wonderful Mike and I loved seeing the colours and detail from two different angles. It’s always interesting to know the story behind the images!
Beautiful photos. Interesting insects! 😊
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Thanks, Mitzy. Clubtail dragonflies are considered the most exciting dragonflies by many dragonfly enthusiasts–they are often rare, local, and have short flying seasons. Most of the dragonflies that folks are used to seeing are skimmers, which can be found in large numbers in a variety of habitats for an extended period of time.
So as you study the lower shot can you recall what he was saying to you? Thanks for a great tour of your process!
Don’t know what he was saying, alas. It is fun sometimes to let folks in behind the curtain to understand what I am thinking and feeling when I am taking my photos.
You’re on a wonderful roll, Mike, keep it up!
Thanks, Gary. I’ll what I can, though as you know it is often either feast or famine for a wildlife photographer. 🙂