broad-bodied chaser

I don't do a lot of macro stuff, but I might start to do some more now. I had a very enjoyable morning out with Matt Cole today and thanks to his help managed a few decent shots. Thought I'd stick this up before somebody who really knows what they are doing gets his version on here.

40D; Sig 180 macro
iso 200; f11; 1/50
ff MLU MF ME

C&C welcome


eric

I'm no macro buff but it looks ne'on perfect to me.

Perfection, no need to do more you've already at the top

Tim

Perfect macro shot if you ask me.

Wow Eric that's some detail,excellent.

Keith.

Superb

excellent Eric, looks about perfect to me too.

I'm still going through my shots, but if my version of this one turned out as good I'll be very happy.

Matt

ooooooh that's nice

WOW!! Do some more, please

Ed

After seeing this I am glad I binned all mine from Saturday. Tremendous

Brilliant image with amazing detail. I wouldn't bother to do any more macro if I were you .. you'll be trying to beat this one for ever

Great shot Eric not sure about the pink background, I know you cant help the background But if was green it would change this to fantastic picture instead of great. just me being picky.

Dale

Not sure about the background colour Eric but a superb shot whatever
JohnR

a beautiful shot the detail is amazing,love that gold colour and the wings are fab

Perfect

Simon

Thank you for the kind comments folks, you embarrass me. The fact is that we had been trying unsuccessfully for ages to get this shot with a distant green background and were getting nowhere, but Matt had the inspired idea of changing our shooting angle from low and horizontal to high and near vertical so that we were using the smooth surface of the water just a few short feet away. The pool was a fairly recent and deliberate dragonfly scrape on a nature reserve hence the pale pink background is caused by the clay suspended in the murky water. It was apparent immediately that this would give us the smooth bg we sought. I may have got this one up first but I would never even have seen it if Matt hadn't been so smart. I thought the pale lines on the wings were interesting. At first I thought that the pale downward curving lines in the wings were just reflections but then I realised they were symmetrically opposite on each wing. This can only mean they are by design and that they are caused either by the surface being distorted or by the wing material being thicker. The shapes suggest that they are extra stiffeners for the flimsy wing material and that no matter how complex I thought Dragonflies were they are even more so. When you think that some human beings can barely walk upright without dragging thir knuckles, I find this kind of detail and technology on an insect that most people just ignore is breathtaking.
eric

Can see I am going to have to confiscate that lens... absolutely splendid and that bg compliments this female very well indeed....

Keep going Eric - nitless image for me matey, top drawer stuff.

An absolute cracking image matey, no other way to describe this. You've finally found your niche

Des

Hi Eric,

Absolutely brilliant image Eric, faultless. The back ground really sets off the detail in the dragonfly. I know it's all been said but but definately one to be proud of.

Keep 'em coming

Shaun

I think the background works well here, as it really highlights the vanes in the wings, not sure if green would work so well. and its nice to see a such a different BG colour from the norm. absoulty cracking shot.. i aint gonna speak to you again .
going to be a quiet drive down to wales

well done matey.


Mark.G

Stunning.

David

Fantastic shot. Really like it!

Ian

This is great - a really beautiful and delicate image. I I ever got anything half as good I'd be happy!

Stunning image,just stunning,love the colours and the strong composition makes the image for me

Just FAB!!

Can only echo the previous comments Eric. A beautiful picture.

Superb Eric.

Phil.

Hi Eric,

Its all been said, what a stunner!!

Cheers,

Lewis.