Widow Skimmer, male

[Allen Sparks]

Canon 7D, 300mm f4 IS, 1.4 x TC II
ISO 400, f14, 1/250s

[John Storjohann]

A unique image in that you have that flat grey background...water? Cloudy sky? I'd be curious...love the detail in the wings, the almost 3D effect from the slightly OOF stem. Nicely done.

[PhilCook]

Really leaps off the screen, agree it has a rather 3D look, stunning detail in those wings

[Steve Maxson]

Hi Allen. There's a lot to like here - a nice specimen giving you a good pose, the diagonals of the dragonfly and stem, the comp, the soft lighting, and the clean background! You might try a bit more selective sharpening on the head, but this is a very strong image!

[Jonathan Ashton]

Wow I like this one great focus and background. I hesitate to be critical it is such a super shot but i would suggest a slight lift in the shadows would enhance the image, I also agree a tad more sharpeningion the head region, there are fine hairs there that I think could be mad a little more apparent.

[kostas nianiopoulos]

nice diagonial pose , good color and light , his wings are very pretty , very well done !!!

[PhilCook]

I can see I will have to start using my 300mm for more than jusrt birds judging by the quality of this shot, nicely done and certainly leaps off the screen

[Allen Sparks]

Thanks much for the comments and suggestions.
John, the BG is water.

[Ken Childs]

Allen, your capture of this dragon is extremely well done! The subtle colors on the abdomen and wings came out great! Other than a bit more sharpening on the head, you might want to clone out those few spots/blemishes on the front wings.