Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Had an interesting experience today taking a short trip to Golden Gate Park (San Francisco) to Metson Lake just for an hour or so to experiment with photographing some of the resident wildlife, around 10 am PST. It's say 10 minutes from my house.

The lake was relatively quiet, so the turtles, birds and insects were happily doing their thing. For me this was a trip to experiment with a few things, and the nice thing about the location is that it isn't on the main drag of GG Park, and you can park right by the lake so use your vehicle as a safe and accessible repository for equipment while still in the immediate vicinity.

After about half an hour of just quietly observing the dragonflies (or similar things to my uneducated mind from an entomologist's perspective) I found a twig where one hung out. I was experimenting with different lenses with a handheld camera.

I then decided that a monopod might help, plus also different lenses etc.

Well dummy me, I had picked up my monopod with its ball head, but had left all my arca camera plates at home. Duh!

So while rummaging around in my car, I turn around to see someone standing about six feet from me, about twenty years younger (40ish) and six or so inches taller than me, with his arm outstretched taking video, apparently of my sky facing butt!

He then proceeds to tell me that I shouldn't be taking pictures of people, and I should get in my car and get the hell out of there before he kicks seven kinds of sh*t out of me.

I politely explain that I wasn't taking pictures of people, just insects, to which he explains that he is looking for an excuse to beat the hell out of somebody and I should just get in my car and leave.

After a minute or two of his threats and my very polite responses he walks away.

The pic below was taken after that event. I should have checked my equipment bag properly first, I sure could have used that monopod!

Can you spell "Bat Sh*t Crazy?"

On the other hand a good whack on the temple with my ballhead may have given him pause for thought had he actually attacked, but that wouldn't be a good outcome for either of us.

I tried to see if I could find him later, photograph him and report him to the police, but no signs...

Be safe out there, apparently insects can be dangerous. So be prepared!

I do like the Canon 250D close up lens however, and I'm just beginning to experiment with close-up buggy stuff....

Handheld, Canon T3i, EF-S 60mm Macro with Canon 250D close up lens attached.

(Download)

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

Hey, nice picture of the Dragon. Glad that you are safe. No place is exempt. I have had bad experiences in side YP/GT as well as edgy areas of big cities. Even the Vatican produced some angry responses. People are people. I wish I could hand you a big plate of Fries as comfort food!

J. R.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Thanks J.R., Life is interesting out there, and sometimes you just have to roll with it. Thanks for the fries offer, for me a Martini and a nice glass of red wine are doing a good job, plus I still got a half decent pic for an experimental trip.

Take care!

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

Great photograph! The rh wings are tack sharp and clearly reproduced. Looks like fun with the 250D. If you use the 500D that bug will look like a monster. Be careful!

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

That's why I am experimenting. I do have a 500D, but only in 77mm size, so I'm hoping a step down ring will work....,

Any guidance?

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

Sorry Peter, rings are not in my area of knowledge, but the 77mm is a popular size for several lenses. Hope you can make it work for you, the 250D was a success. I do like your shot. Nice job.

rjaywallace Loc: Wisconsin

First glad you and the dragonfly are both OK. Just as a suggestion, in a similar situation you might consider getting in your car (obviously not much protection against serious weaponry), firing up your cellphone and calling 911 emergency.

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

You did get an interesting image vary sharp and with some interesting equipment. The 60 I used was the sharpest lens that I have ever shot with. I wish it was mine. I have the 250D and tubes Canon & Kenko and my 100 Mac. I find that Macro is very interesting to me. I have friend that is very gifted. It keeps me going. J. R.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Thanks! I have some of those lenses, and plan to have more ! :D

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Agreed, not much chance in this instance, a bit like facing down a mountain lion....

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

Thank you!

It tends to show that good pictures (if mine qualifies as that) can be achieved in many ways, and with the right situation any thinking person can produce good images and also improve. I focus on improving!

Take care!

NormanHarley Loc: Colorado

Great shot on the dragon fly! If I lived closer I would go out shooting with you, it's always good to pack along an old biker when you run into A**holes :thumbup: Sounds like you handled him just fine.

debbie wrazen Loc: Western New York

Wonderful photo in spite of the calamitous episode .Give yourself a pat on the back for excellent self control.

Bill Houghton Loc: New York area

Wasp spray, Gives yuo a twenty foot stream. Good for all kinds of threats, two legged or eight. I found it works better then a gun in that it's easier to clean up after. No police reports to fill you and he'll be blind till he gets to ER to get it flushed out.

Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.

:D