I MET A DRAGONFLY TODAY
While enjoying a post lunch walk today, I happened upon a dragonfly.
For nearly 30 minutes, we played a tip toe game of cat and mouse. By that I mean, he would land on the other side of the water. I would tip toe to the other side, only to have him fly away to another perch.
© 2010
After a while, he allowed me to come a little closer. But not too close! You can see his wings are still moving, keeping him ready for flight.
© 2010
After observing me for about 30 minutes, he must have decided I was not a threat. But was he too shy to face me or was he simply more interested in the twig that had become his perch?
© 2010
No, he was only shy! It wasn’t long before he began to turn around giving me a glimpse of him from a different angle.
© 2010
Finally, he turned as if to say, “This is the best shot you’re going to get – after all, we’ve just met!”
© 2010
I met a dragon fly while enjoying lunch today. We spent some time together, then went our separate ways. But as I was leaving, I’m sure I heard a squeaky voice saying, “See you tomorrow. By the way, you can call me Red.”
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Photographyfree4all's Blog 
Nice captures…I wish those darn things would sit still for more than five seconds!
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Those are great. I had my first dragonfly experience last month on a trip to Arkansas. He held still the entire time, which enabled me to get some good captures. I love how their mouth parts make them look like they have a self-conscious smile! I’ve never seen a red one like yours before, mine was yellow and black:
http://discipuluscripturae.wordpress.com/2010/06/29/out-of-arkansas/
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I loved this. Such chance encounters come to those with camera in tow–I’ll have to keep that in mind.
Not only am I enjoying the pictures, but, now I look forward to the intriguing tales that come along with them.
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I love “Red” but don’t know if he is a dragonfy or a damselfly. I thought maybe he was a red saddlebag or flame skimmer dragonfly, but now I don’t know. Nonetheless, Red is beautiful and your shots of him are fantastic! 🙂
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Jealous of your dragonfly, I tried taking a picture of a bee today, they are not very photogenic.
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What beautiful pictures of the only red dragonfly I have ever seen!
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Great captures and great story!
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Amazing photos!
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I believe you’re right, Car54. After some brief research, I believe “Red” to be a Flame Skimmer or sometimes called the Firecracker Skimmer (Libellula Saturata) dragonfly. Male Flame Skimmers are known for their entirely red or dark orange body, this includes eyes, legs, and even wing veins. The Flame Skimmer resides mainly in the southwestern United States. Thanks for your comments – he was beautiful!
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Great shots! I’ve never seen a red one before. From your story, sounds like you and I had the same encounter with a dragonfly. Sitting and waiting… hoping to get a good shot. Trust is a good thing…
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Very colorful dragonfly. I love the commentary!
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Your effective use of shallow depth of field takes these photographs above and beyond snap shot mode. Nice work!
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I have to add my comments to this post! These are fantastic photos! I enjoyed your dialog. I can just imagine you stalking this guy! The things we do for that one perfect shot.
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Wow very nice shots. What kind of lens did you use?
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Thanks for your comment, Tom. I was using a Canon 28-135 mm zoom, on my Canon 50D.
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Beautiful! Thank you.
Peace,
Phil
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I agree w/ all the above. Wonderful shots. More details. Were you on shutter priority? Do you recall your shutter speed? Were you on a tripod? You did a great job of detailed focus on such a small target.
Always enjoy your shots.
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I agree w/ all the above. Wonderful shots. More details. Were you on shutter priority? Do you recall your shutter speed? Were you on a tripod? You did a great job of detailed focus on such a small target.
Always enjoy your shots.
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I can tell you I was shooting using Aperture Priority, with my setting at 5.6 to create a shallow depth of field. I let the camera do the rest of the work. No, I didn’t have a tripod, but I steadied the camera on my knee which was braced against a rock. Thanks for your comments.
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hi thanks for your comments… after seeing your photo’s …hahah i bow….you are right it takes 100 shots to get that 1 shot that works… and me… well i have a canon -something – that gives me a smilie face when it is in focus….(eyesight not the best through a lens) but i know what i like and the angle that i see that will frame up …… do have a look at some of the other photo’s/blogs and i do have a few more to come before i leave Europe in a few weeks…. 1 especially that i am looking forward to putting up…. cheers
ps will follow your work from now on!
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Very crisp and excellent captures… I came across and photographed a couple male Flame Skimmers last Fall near a waterfall in Kauai Hawaii.
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these are great I tried getting some pics of a some blue dragonflies from a moving canoe as they skimmed over the water…no easy task.
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these are great. I once tried getting some pics of a some blue dragonflies from a moving canoe as they skimmed over the water…no easy task.
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These are gorgeous! I’ve still not been lucky enough to get a dragonfly.
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Nice captures! Bees and dragonflies are on my “to do” list. I’ve tried a few times with no joy. Well done!
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Ah … patience pays off! Lovely photos.
And thanks for your comments!
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I admire your skill. Beautiful photos. 😉
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AMAZING. My favorite is the second one from the top. It’s almost as if he’s blowing in the wind and holding on to the stem for dear life.
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I love the detailed wings!
Fab blog… love your work.
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Wow, I haven’t seen a red one before. Really pretty, and great contrast against the green foilage. Great job getting him to sit still for his portrait!
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Very nice! Have never seen a bug like this before.
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Beautiful images..I don’t have the patience yet fro something that flies that fast and is so small, you doing a great job with these !!
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Your dragonfly shots are amazing!!!
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Nice dragonfly capture. Dragonflies are fascinating insects, and almost seem to want to be friendly sometimes. I love photographing them.
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As everyone above said, “Well Done!”
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I agree too: Great shots of this red dragonfly. I have never seen a red one before. And I feel lucky, if I can watch a dragonfly for a coupple of minutes, so 30 minutes: That is VERY long time!
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Great captures. I especially love #2.
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[…] here, here, and here to read the story of […]
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I do recall reaading this wonderful story about you and Red a while back. Reminds me of an encounter with a skink sans camera.
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“30 minutes.” That’s why I stink at capturing insects… no patience 🙂
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[…] Yeah…it’s me, Red! […]
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[…] If you’re interested in Red’s story, you can find it here. […]
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