Common Green Darner

[John Mack]

Green darner in the morning by a small pond. This Darner was side lit from the left in full sun. Reflector used to bounce some light on the right side. Image adjustments in Lightroom.

Camera on sticks triggered with a remote.

Canon 5D MarkIII
Canon 180mm 3.5L Macro USM
ISO 100
f/11
1/50sec

[Jonathan Ashton]

John it's a lovely shot. I am slightly unsettled regarding the highlights in the background part of me is saying they are muted and don't really interfere. The other side of me says do they contribute, I think the answer is no. I wonder if you crop had been say 5:4 the dragon would have been bigger in the frame and those tiny hairs on the abdomen would probably have been more clearly delineated. I suspect you did take the shot at ISO 100 200 and 400 just to see which gave best detail?

[John Mack]

Thanks Jonathan, i like the specular highlights in the background. I only shot this at ISO 100. There was virtually no wind.

[John Mack]

Thanks Jonathan, i like the specular highlights in the background. I only shot this at ISO 100. There was virtually no wind.

[Jonathan Ashton]

Thanks Jonathan, i like the specular highlights in the background. I only shot this at ISO 100. There was virtually no wind.

Hi John I to would have shot at 100 but the key word is "virtually" once you have the one you had in mind in the bag it is worthwhile trying for "better". I have taken images indoors at 1 sec and they were pin sharp but it is always worthwhile trying for a faster shutter speed even if you reject it later, that way you will know you have the optimum. When all is aid and done can you see much difference in an image at ISO 100 and 200.

[Steve Maxson]

A very nice clean image with good sharpness, light, comp and background. Nice use of the reflector. The muted highlights in the background are not bothering me.

[Glenn Pure]

The symmetry of this image is really striking. Detail looks excellent and the insect really pops in this light. One I'd be very happy with if mine.