Calico Pennant

[Steve Maxson]

This newly emerged Calico Pennant dragonfly is pumping up its wings to full size and is not yet able to fly. The bright colors typical of this species are still muted at this early stage of its adult life. I carefully cut this grass stem and brought it inside to eliminate wind and control the background. Canon 40D, 180 mm f/3.5 macro, 0.8 sec, f/11, ISO 200, natural light, tripod, mirror lock, cable release. All comments are appreciated.

[Mike Fuhr]

Very cool natural history story told with this one. Great sharpness and that bkgd is wonderful!:D

[Roman Kurywczak]

Hey Steve,
As always....macro is easier indoors as you can control more of the elements! Perhaps opening up the eye and body a touch......but that is very minor.....this is a fantastic story with dramatic light and sweet BG! Very well done!!!

[Kaushik Balakumar]

Excellent sharpness and details. Nice light (any flash used ? ).
Nice moment, neatly composed and presented.

[Ken Childs]

This is really cool, Steve! Great comp, great story.
Roman's suggestion of bringing up the head and thorax is all this needs to be taken over the top.

[Julie Kenward]

Yup...awesome image...a few small tweaks and it will be even more so. I love the way you've captured the entire story here with the discarded shell and the new life. Wonderful stuff!

[thijs broekkamp]

NIce, cool moment!

[Allen Sparks]

beautiful shot! Great idea to take it indoors to control all the elements. Love the detail, warm tones and contrast with the BG. Nicely done.

[Anita Bower]

Beautiful. I especially love those wings--patterns and colors. Wonderful documentary.

[Thomas Herou]

Very crisp and clear image!
Perfect pose of the dragonfly and the BG works well here.