Alan Kiecker, QPSA
July 2025 - Black Saddlebags Dragonfly
About the Image(s)
This is a female Black Saddlebags Dragonfly that I found on a recent hike around a local lake. At least that is what my buddy who I was accompanying says it was.
Technical:
Nikon Z8, Z 180-600mm lens @ 600mm, 1/1000 Sec @ f/10, ISO 1100
6 comments posted
Hi Alan
I think the simplicity of this image works well, particularly the lack of distracting elements.
It's always tough to tell with these low-resolution versions of the images we have to submit, but it looks like there's some detail there that could be celebrated further. If you have the resolution, consider cropping in a bit to remove some of the blue that isn't really contributing and give us a little more exposure and detail on the bug.
Thanks
Josh Posted: 07/15/2025 01:17:13
I think the simplicity of this image works well, particularly the lack of distracting elements.
It's always tough to tell with these low-resolution versions of the images we have to submit, but it looks like there's some detail there that could be celebrated further. If you have the resolution, consider cropping in a bit to remove some of the blue that isn't really contributing and give us a little more exposure and detail on the bug.
Thanks
Josh Posted: 07/15/2025 01:17:13
Alan,
Great capture. No distracting elelments, so it is easy to figure out what the subject is! Great exposure and composition! You have captured great detail on the dragonfly's wings and body. About all I would do to improve a strong image is to reduce the highlights on the stem. Great capture! Posted: 07/18/2025 21:18:57
Great capture. No distracting elelments, so it is easy to figure out what the subject is! Great exposure and composition! You have captured great detail on the dragonfly's wings and body. About all I would do to improve a strong image is to reduce the highlights on the stem. Great capture! Posted: 07/18/2025 21:18:57
Wow, It's macro month at Group 49! Beautiful detail, but I echo David's thoughts about burning in the stem. As it is, it leads out of the picture. Posted: 07/23/2025 01:02:17
Morrie Carter
This is a great find and image. I have not seen the dragonfly that I recall. It is a beauty with the details and colors. Nice photo with no distractions. Posted: 07/27/2025 04:50:44
I agree that the highlights on the stem are distracting. I did try to reduce it in LRC, but it just turned grey and just did look right. I would have been better to reduce the exposure a tad when I took the photo. Posted: 07/27/2025 18:37:02
Hi Alan. I'm partial to dragonflies and the beauty of their wings. You've done a great job with this girl. Posted: 07/29/2025 00:59:26