[silkstone]

There have been some excellent macros posted here recently, so I'll add my not-so-excellent ones to the pile. This fella appeared in the garden this afternoon...

[Matty]

they are very good Silky, its not easy to get a) close enough and B) stay still long enough

4 and 6 for me are the best!

[silkstone]

Thanks Matt. TBH if I got too close he did fly off, so they were taken with a 300mm lens!

[Steve]

The standard of photography on these forums has improved so much recently that I find myself looking at stunning images almost everytime something new is posted. These are no different and are definately following the trend. Well done Sir.

[dod]

very nice silkstone, particularly that last one, absolute beauty

[silkstone]

Thanks again guys. I've never seen one of these in the garden before. Apparently it's a Broad-bodied Chaser dragonfly (Libellula depressa) which is common in southern England and Wales. So it must have got lost somewhere on the M1.

[Matt]

I like the composition of images 1,2,6 & 7. The backgrounds really focus your attention on the subject.
With a little more DoF, these shots would be at the top of the 'pile'.
They could do with a bit of levels/USM treatment to make some of the detail pop out.
See guide HERE
The process can be replicated using paint shop pro.

Has this chap come from your own pond, I wouldn't be suprised if it has.
Keep your eye out for some more of these Silky chasers.