Ischnura elegans silhouette

Discussion

11 replies

Posted by Daniel Read on June 11, 2008 at 5:08 AM

This was taken fairly late last night at a nature reserve near Cardiff. There were a lot of these blue-tailed damselflies perched in the reeds for the night, and I tried a number of different shots to get a silhouette against the night sky. Unfortunately there was a slight breeze, which forced me to use a wider aperture than I would have liked, but it was roughly what I envisaged. Critiques welcome!

Cheers,

Dan.

Nikon d50
Sigma 105mm Macro
1/125
f/6.3
ISO400
Manfrotto tripod and ball head

Posted by Adam Seward on June 11, 2008 at 5:32 AM

Hi Dan,

I really like the idea and the composition, but I think it really needs a greater depth of field to get all the damselfly in sharp focus. However, I know you were forced to use a wide aperture because of the breeze! I'd push the ISO higher and use a smaller aperture.

Adam

Posted by John Robinson on June 11, 2008 at 5:58 AM

Yes- I like the idea behind this one . Just a slight problem with the blurred section which has been mentioned.
Cheers
JR

Posted by Paul Inglis on June 11, 2008 at 6:27 AM

Hi Dan,

Great capture! I agree with Adam with upping the ISO for higher shutter speed to get that depth of field or try it again when its not windy!

Posted by Dave Courtenay on June 11, 2008 at 7:46 AM

A good and original idea that hasnt quite come off due to lack of DOF-Worth another try-a couple of dust bunnies as well

Dave

Posted by PhilH on June 11, 2008 at 8:10 AM

Well worth another try... an interesting idea... definately up the ISO as you will be able to run NR software on this with ease...

Posted by Elliott Neep on June 11, 2008 at 8:14 AM

As already mentioned... nice idea and worth another try on a still night.

Posted by Matt Cole on June 11, 2008 at 9:12 AM

I agree with the above, a nice idea that would have worked well if all parts of the damselfly were sharp. Definitely one to try again if you get a chance.

Matt

Posted by Daniel Read on June 11, 2008 at 9:24 AM

Thanks for the comments everyone. I think it'll have to be a revisit some time this week. The spot I was at also had some great views of a barn owl hunting in the field next to me, so that gives me a bit more motivation to get down there asap!

Cheers,

Dan.

Posted by Alan Woolnough on June 11, 2008 at 2:08 PM

I like your thinking Dan

Looks good to me, but no dought you will get your just reward very soon

Alan

Posted by eric weight on June 12, 2008 at 1:38 PM

I think it's all been said, but the idea was an excellent one.

Eric

Posted by Michael Sayles on June 12, 2008 at 4:30 PM

I love the idea behind this shot (it's not something I've seen before), but I have to echo earlier comments about depth of field/sharpness.

Top marks for originality though; just need to go back on a stiller night.