As I stood at the edge of an open marshy area yesterday at Jackson Miles Abbott Wetland Refuge, I was excited to spot a large patrolling dragonfly. The dragonfly was flying low over the water in repetitive patterns and I suspected that it was a Cyrano Darner dragonfly (Nasiaeschna pentacantha), a species that I do not see very often.
When the dragonfly flew into the light I got a good enough look at it to confirm that it in fact was a Cyrano Darner. In case you are curious, the species is named for its long, protruding, greenish forehead that is somewhat reminiscent of the long nose of literary character Cyrano de Bergerac.
I kept hoping that the dragonfly would fly closer, but it kept its distance and the only shots I could get were at relatively long range. I am happy that I managed to capture some images that are more or less in focus and show some of the beautiful details of this dragonfly.
The second shot is a bit sharper and you can see the dragonfly’s colors and patterns better. However, I have a slight preference for the first image, because the reflections of the vegetation in the water in the first shot give you a sense of environment that is lacking in the more clinical view of the second one.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Two excellent captures but I agree the first is more visually pleasing (and harder to achieve).
Thanks, Brian. You and I obviously think alike.
Wow! What an amazing photograph. I think the second photo is great because of the way it serves as a detailed record of this particular dragonfly in flight. My preference, however, is for the first photo because I love seeing the dragonfly in its environment and I like that the blurred background contrasting with the sharp dragonfly suggests its movement.
Thanks, Laura. You have described almost perfectly my thoughts and feelings about the two images. In an overly simplified way, the second image is about science and the first image is about art. 🙂
Yes! That’s precisely it. You are much more pithy and concise than I am.
My version may be pithy and concise, but I suspect that it could be attacked by artists and scientists alike. Reality is much more complicated and the art vs science question is probably better described as a continuum rather than an either/or question. The cool thing about photography is that it covers the entire spectrum–I am be as geeky and technical as I want and also be as artsy as I choose.
It is impressive that you recognized the Cyrano Darner, Mike, your dragonfly powers are so incredible. I really liked both photos and when I clicked on each one the rainbow of colors was an additional treat. Thanks for brightening my day!
Thanks, Jet. After multiple years of watching them I am starting to recognize certain dragonfly species by the way that they fly (how high they fly, how fast they fly, and the patterns they use) and by the way they perch (vertically, horizontally, or at an angle). It also helps that I sort of know when certain species emerge.. I am glad you clicked on the photos, because the colors of the Cyrano Darner are quite impressive.
Nice find and terrific photographs, Mike!
Thanks, Wally. I am pretty happy with the shots, though, like most wildlife photographers, I always wish that I could have gotten a little closer to my subject.
I like that first image, a lot.
Thanks, Dan.
Nice Mike! It is fun to photograph them flying!
Thanks, Reed. It’s crazy hard to photograph dragonflies in flight, but I really like the challenge.