Calico Pennant

[Steve Maxson]

This dragonfly is a male calico pennant (females have yellow where this one shows red). Note that the wings are not level, but are tilted to one side. I've been noticing that this species tends to tilt its wings toward the sun. I'm guessing that this is a thermoregulatory mechanism though I would be interested to hear any other thoughts on this. I've been experimenting with Robert's flash suggestions in the sticky note above and am generally pleased with the results. 40D, 300 f/4 + 1.4X + 25mm ext. tube, 1/25, f/16, ISO 200, manual flash at 1/8 power, tripod. Comments are welcome.

[Kaushik Balakumar]

This is a lovely image Steve. Sharp head, wings spanning across the diagonal with lovely details.
Thanks for the additional info too. It is evident that the wings are tilted.

[Julie Kenward]

This really is a nice image - good sharpness and fairly clean BG (background.) I wouldn't mind a more vertical crop - little less on the right and more on the top.

[John Cooper]

A superb capture Steve, great exposure, detail and BG. The composition also works well for me. Top shot!!

[Robert O'Toole]

Awesome Steve, the angle, comp, BG, and sharpness are great. The only thing I dont like is the white end of the perch but still that doesn't hurt the image much.

I really like it.

Robert

[D. Robert Franz]

Love this image!!! The BG is stunning.