CLF Loc: Raleigh, NC

I have been chasing dragons for the last two days and got one or two that I feel I can share. What is the secret to get close to these aerial little planes? Do I need full camo? :-)

I only cropped the attached otherwise left them alone.

Greg

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Here are a few pointers to help in dragon photos:
1.) Determine proper hand-held MANUAL settings (ISO, shutter duration, & aperture) to obtain good subject exposure (NOT background exposure);
2.) Choose a fairly long lens length (i.e. 200-mm to 300mm);
3.) Set your camera to small central spot Auto-Focus;
4.) Locate a dragonfly sitting on his observation perch;
5.) Try to align yourself so camera is tangent to dragonfly wings, so they remain within DoF.
6.) SLOWly advance towards dragonfly;
7.) When he bolts, you take two more steps, then freeze;
8.) Within a minute, dragon will usually return to his favorite observation perch (usually overlooking a small clearing);
9.) If needed, slowly advance, but be prepared to freeze again, if he takes to the air (he will return);
10.) Keep your camera-to-eye movements slow;
11.) Take many photos, so you can select the best focus (on eyes) in post processing.

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Dixiegirl Loc: Alabama gulf coast

You found some beauties, Greg. Some dragons will allow a close approach, but most of the ones I see won't, so I take the easy way out and grab a 100-400mm lens and shoot at 400mm. I'm sure somebody will come along and say that's not the way it's done, but it works for me. :-D

CLF Loc: Raleigh, NC

Thanks for the assist from you all. So a slow approach and a longer lens. I can do that and I will also use my mono-pod. I never would have thought with the quality I see posted that you would take multiple photos to get one great one. I look at both of your posts when they come up for that reason, I enjoy them.

Thanks again, Greg

STVest Loc: LA - that's Lower Alabama

Kudos, Greg! You caught these speedy little flyers on their perch and being still. Don't know how much you cropped, but of course, the closer you can get either with your feet or the reach of your lens, the better. EVERYONE takes multiple shots as that is the great advantage of digital. Anyone who says they don't - well, I won't call them a liar, but I don't believe them. On a subject like this, if he is being unusually cooperative, some of us shoot 'til we get bored.

CLF Loc: Raleigh, NC

Thanks, STVest. I understand and I thought I was abusing my new camera and not being honest. I guess I am still use to film and back then we tried to never waste a shot. Thinking back I do not remember many close ups unless it was National Geographic or one of the other top tier magazines.

Greg

Bret Loc: Dayton Ohio

Greg I think your on to them...not bad at all.

DOOK Loc: Maclean, Australia

Good ones, Greg. I also belong to the 'long lens brigade' for little critters. I once bought a 90mm macro lens especially to shoot these little guys, but eventually worked out that my bird lenses of around 300-400mm, used at a longer distance, were much more forgiving (much easier to get the critters in focus & less chance of scaring them away). :-) :-)

RE Loc: California

HI Greg, you did well...those little fellows are fast! I too use a long lens 3oomm. I also slowly, stand still and wait and repeat till I am in a reasonably decent distance. Thanks for sharing these with us, I look forward to seeing your future capture!

CLF Loc: Raleigh, NC

I again want to thank all of you for giving me the push that I am on the correct path. I put my 28-105 in my bag and now have my 75-300 on the body. Waiting for a couple more hours to get the heat out of the day before I go back out to my backyard.

Greg