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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! :rolleyes:
:toast: :toast: :toast:
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...

:toast: :wavey: :toast:
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 :toast:

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

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.
:wavey: 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.