Halloween Pennant Dragonfly

[Ken Childs]

http://i128.photobucket.com/albums/p193/kjchilds/BPN/IMG_6208.jpg
Canon EOS REBEL XT
Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS @ 400mm
Av Priority mode
1/400"
F5.6
ISO: 100
Photoshop CS3


This was shot a few years ago when I was still learning about using a DSLR which is why it was shot at ISO 100 and F5.6. Today I would probably use ISO 200/400 and F8.0 or smaller aperture.

If I remember correctly, it was windy and I considered myself luck to have this turn out as well as it did.

I cloned out some grass that was below her abdomen. Other than that, it's a pretty straight forward edit.

[Julie Kenward]

Excellent image, Ken. I can see some small areas where f8 would have brought more wing into focus but it's still a stunner as is. I also love when the grass in the BG gets a vertical blur look to it - it really gives a nice sense of texture compared to our normal deep blurred BG's. Color palette is very nice and really highlights that DF. Only thing I can think of that might be nice to try is to add the perch more on a diagonal to the frame - maybe a 30 degree turn inward - but it's also wonderful as is.

[denise ippolito]

Ken, The color tones and the BG are lovely. Very nice details. I agree w/ your remarks regarding the aperture. But it is still very nicely done.

[Don Lacy]

HI Ken, Wonderful Df image, love the BG and perch. She is in pristine condition probably newly emerged since she has not yet developed the stripes on her thorax. f/10 would have gotten most of the wings in focus and still given you that nice BG still very nicely done.

[Roman Kurywczak]

Hi Ken,
That is a super BG. While I am generally a more DOF guy.....this does work as presented as the light is fantastic. Nicely done!

[Vida van der Walt]

Hi Ken. This is a beautiful image! Love the bg, perch, colours and detail.:)

[Allen Sparks]

Great image. agree about the aperture. Love the perch, BG, and of course this very beautiful dragonfly.