[danpen]

This was taken in the summer at Charnwood Water in Loughborough.

I went early in the morning and saw nothing on my first circuit of the lake, second time round the sun had started to hit some of the reeds and grasses and suddenly there were blue-tailed damselfies everywhere, basking.

I had time to setup the tripod and turn off the flash as they were still and there was no wind, I took this shot from low down in order to get a nice uncluttered background, I think the blue really complements the subject.



As always, click the image for a larger version

It was taken with a 5d, Tamron 180mm lens, no flash, f11, 1/1000 sec. Sadly I'd ben taking shots of snails in the undergrowth a couple of minutes earlier and forgot to change the ISO so this is ISO 800. The 5D is OK at that ISO but I have run Noiseware on it and sharpened, other than that it's straight from the camera.

Comments and criticism welcomed ...

[Soupdragon]

Dragons and Damsels my favourite subject matter.
Really nice background and pin sharp to boot.
A big thumbs up from me.

[Dabhand16]

Very nice shot, Danpen. Your care in setting up has paid dividends.

[Toonie]

Very nice image Danpen, If you are ever down this way again,travel another 8~10 miles from Charnwood Water to Watermead Park just North of Leicester, Plenty of insects & birdlife down there. It runs for about 4 miles & with very easy access, Myself & my dog spend hours down there

[skipper954]

A really good shot, clear and uncluttered. I like the shadows at the corners. I wonder if placing the DF a bit more off center would make this a bit better? Apparently you did not crop this, so that may not be a good option.

skip

[Markulous]

Missed this! It's a good, classic shot of the damsel. I suppose if I was being picky I'd suggest getting closer, but think the shot's fine as is

[danpen]

Thanks all for your nice comments, and I agree the composition could use a little work, maybe if I'd got the Damselfy a bit more towards the right of the frame.

[Hacker]

I think it is fime as it is, they're not always the easiest of subjects. Good capture.