Dragonhunter portrait

[Steve Maxson]

One from a year ago. The Dragonhunter (Hagenius brevistylus) is the largest of the North American Clubtail dragonflies and is as large as the Darners - reaching a length of 84 mm. It gets its common name from its habit of eating other dragonflies (even Darners). I found this one, immobile, on a cool (50 degree F) morning. I brought it inside where it posed for me in my lightbox as it warmed up. 1D-IV, 100 mm macro, 1/160, f/16, ISO 100, lightbox studio, 2 radio-triggered 430 EXII flashes, tripod, live-view manual focus. The background is a print of OOF vegetation. I reduced saturation of the background. All comments are welcome and appreciated.

[Warren Spreng]

That's great! Very ominous looking, which is the point, right! I really like the lighting and POV, great shot!

[Allen Sparks]

Wow - what great detail. A terrific close up! Very well done Steve.

Allen

[Jonathan Ashton]

Lovely details Steve and I like the shape of the crop. I would suggest lowering the yellow component a little in the background.

[Diane Miller]

Excellent pose with wonderful details! Such amazing "faces" they have.

[Steve Maxson]

Thanks everyone for your comments! :S3: