I was shocked and thrilled last Friday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge when I managed to get some shots of Black Saddlebags dragonflies (Tramea lacerata) at ground level—Black Saddlebags spend most of their time patrolling overhead and only rarely do I see one perched.
If you follow this blog regularly, you may realize that this is the third posting that I have done on this dragonfly species in a little over two weeks. There has been a progression in my shots as I have been able to get closer and closer to these elusive dragonflies.
My first of this little series was called Flying Overhead and I was excited to get capture some in-flight images of Black Saddlebags—the dragonflies were pretty far away and the shots were not super sharp, but you could clearly see the distinctive dark patches on the hind wings. The second posting was called Perching Black Saddlebags and I was ecstatic when I was able to get some shots of Black Saddlebags perched high on some dead branches with the sky in the background.
As a wildlife photographer, I am often happy with my images, but rarely am I fully satisfied. There is a part of me that whispers in my ear that I can always do better. Giving in to that siren’s song, I will often return to the same locations to shoot the same subjects again and again.
I went out a bit earlier than usual on Friday—the sun had already risen, but there was still dew on some of the vegetation. If you look closely at the third shot (you may need to click on it to see the details), you can see water drops on some of the plants. I was stunned when I saw the Black Saddlebags dragonfly almost dive into the greenery from the air and perch really low. I have seen photos of dragonflies covered in dew and I have always aspired to take such a shot—this is not yet that aspirational shot, but I am getting closer to my goal.
I captured the first two shots a bit later in a totally different part of the refuge. Once again the dragonfly chose a low perch and I was able to position myself to capture quite a bit of detail. I was even able to change my shooting angle without spooking the dragonfly.
I am still on the lookout for a few more autumn species that I have not yet seen, so I will be heading out as often as I can, wide-eyed and hopeful that more cool encounters in nature await me.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Very nice series of Black Saddlebag dragonfly images Mike! Enjoyed seeing them!
Mike I can definitely relate. There is the shot you are able to get and there is the shot you wish you could get. And between those two there is a wide gap. For one reason or many many more reasons unlikely events need to fall into place. Nature photography is working with many variables only a very few of which we control. Great images. Thanks!
Thanks, John. You summed up really well the dilemma that we face in photographing in the wild. I have not done too much studio photography, but it is a whole different story when you can control the lighting and the poses. 🙂
I will take the wild moments any day…
What an awesome species.
Black Saddlebags are pretty amazing indeed. 🙂
I’ve enjoyed your Black Saddlebags series! Like you, I get excited when I see one perched and start whispering “don’t move, don’t move”.
Superb photographs, Mike!
Ah, Wally, I know well that moment of excitement mixed with fear, wondering whether to shoot from a distance or move forward for a closer shot, hoping I won’t spook the dragonfly before I get a shot.
I have enjoyed the crystal clear images and the story behind the captures! Totally relate to the quest for The Image. I often say to Wade I have this image in my mind’s eye to explain what I would like to achieve in a shot whether it be underwater or in aerials.
Thanks so much, Chris. I often wonder if painters and other artists have an image in their mind when they begin to create. I think of famous quotation attributed to Michelangelo, “In every block of marble I see a statue as plain as though it stood before me, shaped and perfect in attitude and action. I have only to hew away the rough walls that imprison the lovely apparition to reveal it to the other eyes as mine see it.”
Some great rewards for your dedicated perseverance, Mike. It looks like you did manage to get a dew drop on the right forewing in the first shot.
Thanks, Gary. I think that the dragonfly may have dislodged some dewdrops when it landed. The kind of image I have in mind is one in which the dragonfly has perched overnight and is covered in dew. I have seen such images, but have never shot one. The challenge, though, is to spot a dragonfly in that situation. Most of the time I spot the movement of a dragonfly first and then track it to a perch.
I know exactly what you mean. There’s a photographer in eastern Europe who specializes in these, and they are a wonder. Sorry, can’t come up with his name and don’t have time to do the bit of research to find him, but I’m confident that your opportunity will come and, when it does, that you’ll be ready for it.
Thanks, Gary. When I was young, I was in the Boy Scouts, so I have always tried to follow the Boy Scout Motto–“Be Prepared.”
Your dedication to getting more and better photos keeps us informed and impressed, Mike. I think these guys have spread the word – “Mike? Yeah, he’s OK. He just wants to take our picture.”
I like the idea of a dragonfly grapevine, Dan. Now I have visions of dancing dragonflies, akin to all of those raisins in the series of California Raisin commercials singing “I Heard It Through The Grapevine.” 🙂
Haha
Wonderful captures, Mike, and what a grand experience to observe non-typical behavior! Here’s hoping you’ll find that dewy set up!
Thanks, Ellen. I think it is good to set some aspirational goals that are really high, but not impossible. The dew-covered dragonfly is one such goal. I was out in drizzle today, thinking that maybe I would find some crazy dragonfly perched in the rain, but they all had a bit more common sense that I did and probably stayed drier that I did.
I agree, Mike. As I think more about dragonflies I’ve wondered thing like where do they sleep, where do they go in the rain… and yes, common sense/survival on their end probably plays into it. 😁