I was happy to spot this handsome male Painted Skimmer dragonfly (Libellula semifasciata) during a recently trip to Occoquan Regional Park. A Painted Skimmer was the first dragonfly that I spotted this year on 26 April and I have not seen very many of them since that time at this park, the location of that first sighting. (See the posting Painted Skimmer in April for further details.)
Usually when I am trying to get a side shot of a dragonfly, I will shoot from above the wings or below the wings. In this case, though, I attempted to shoot between the wings, which gives the image an unusual perspective.
I would have liked to have been able to move forward a little to get a better view of the head, but I would then have been standing in several inches of water and mud of an uncertain depth. I opted to keep my feet dry at that moment, though later in the day I ended up with one foot stuck in mud that went above my ankle.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
That’s a nice perspective, Mike, and a pleasing composition. Excellent focus on the dragonfly and perch, offset by that wonderful green background, make a very nice portrait of this Painted Skimmer.
“Mud of uncertain depth” gave me a chuckle, good move to avoid that, especially early in your outing!
What a beautiful perspective and photo. Sorry about the mud. I chuckled at your word “handsome.” I appreciate your outstanding photography and the respect and appreciation for nature that is imbued in every photo. Thank you Mike for your labors. 😊
Thanks, Suzette. I try not to do anything too risky when I am taking photos, because I am often by myself, but I am ok with muddy feet and have been known to kneel in mucky areas to get the shot that I want or lie down on the forest floor to get a low angle perspective.
Awesome! Take care Mike. Have a great day. Cheers 😊
Beautiful perspective and separation of the gorgeous dragonfly from the background. And on top of that, complementary colors.
Very nice, Mike.
We don’t have the Painted Skimmer in our area and have to “make do” with its cousin, the Halloween Pennant.
Thanks, Wally. We have the Halloween Pennant too, though I have not seen one this year yet.
I’m curious Mike on where the colour on the twig derives from, surely not a reflection?
I can’t really tell, Liz. It does not really look like a reflection, but I am not sure what else it could be.
Very nice Mike! Liked the clean smooth background!
I really liked the way the marshy edge of the pond has turned green and that is what provides the color for that smooth background.