Ran across this dragonfly in the front yard that I believe was drying itself on a stick. It was pretty cooperative with me sticking this baseball bat sized lens in its face.


Uncropped from the front



Uncropped from the classic "take a picture before it runs away" angle



Tight but not quite 100% crop of the first one.

[Arne Martin]

Awesome !
Crispy clear shots.
For me they never stay still long enough, but one day.....

[NatureHike]

Awesome !
Crispy clear shots.
For me they never stay still long enough, but one day.....

Thanks! Yeah they are jumpy bugs. I have the best luck if I pre-focus and then squat/lean in with the camera super slow, then move the camera back and forth to get the face in focus

[7.62lew]

Super clear shots. Sometimes they will sit still. I started using a monopod and it seems to help with my movement Thanks for posting!

[ToddK]

Excellent macro shots. I have been lucky a few times to have them allow me to get really close, and I actually touched one with my lens hood one time.

[MikeNArk]

Great macro shots. I'd have superglue one to a twig to get shots like those. I might have to try your technique the next time I get an opportunity. Thanks for sharing.