Do you prefer to live your life widely or deeply? That is a curious question, but it is one that affects the way that many of us approach our photography and our lives in general. Let me reframe the question. Are you always seeking to visit new places to see new things, i.e. living “widely”, or would you rather spend your time in familiar locations with familiar subjects, going back to the same places repeatedly, i.e. living “deeply?”
As you may have guessed, I tend to put myself in the second category. I like to observe the seasonal changes at a few local areas, watching for new species to arrive and to depart (or disappear), observing the changes in the flora and the fauna, and discovering favorite spots for my photography. I am not really consumed by a need or desire to add to my “life list” of birds or insects that I have seen, though I do enjoy visiting other locations.
All of these thoughts were percolating in my brain on Wednesday when I visited Jackson Miles Abbott Wetland Refuge to see which dragonflies were still present. I was particularly delighted to spot several Swift Setwing dragonflies (Dythemis velox). In June 2016 at this same refuge, I first photographed a Swift Setwing—a primarily southern species that had never before have been spotted in Fairfax County, the county where I live—and each year since I have eagerly returned to learn more about the species. For more details on my initial sighting, check out my 2016 blog posting Swift Setwing dragonfly.
It is always tough to frame shots of Swift Setwings, because they like to perch on vegetation that overhangs the water and they face the water. The sun was shining brightly and I was happy to capture a couple of images in which the dragonfly appears to be perching among the clouds. I did try to get down low, but I think the background is a reflection of the sky in the water of the pond and not the sky itself.
For the second image, I was far away from the dragonfly. I couldn’t get a clear shot of the Swift Setwing, so I chose to use some vegetation blocking my view as a framing element in the foreground. I like the way that the image turned out.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Nice shots! As for your question, I think I live in both ways. I’m content to revisit my local areas and enjoy the subtle as well as seasonal changes. But I also enjoy the opportunities to travel to new places (even if sometimes the newly explored locale is still fairly close to home – all of our summer trips this year were confined within southern Norway, as is the case most summers. Yet we find new areas to explore, most away from the pesky tourists). I like having the best of both worlds and try to enjoy where I am as I’m there.
Thanks so much for your detailed response. I realized that I set up a false either/or choice and that many people, like you and me, like to have the best of both worlds. I tend to be an opportunistic photographer and like to observe and listen as I am exploring a location, trying to stay ready to respond to whatever I encounter.
No matter how familiar the ‘deeply’ experienced side is I find nature still has a few tricks up its sleeve. And if we take the time and trouble to observe there are new things to see and learn. I wonder if the dragonflies are pondering such things like their mythological counterparts when they take such moments to perch…
I tend toward deeply, but don’t mind widely. 😊
Nice Mike! Enjoyed seeing your images!