Evening Shadow: Back from my break and pleased to have a decent internet connection again! Can't believe how frustrating it was not to get online anytime I wanted. Anyway, just to...

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Back from my break and pleased to have a decent internet connection again! Can't believe how frustrating it was not to get online anytime I wanted.
Anyway, just to prove I'm here, this is an evening shot around the carp lake that adjoined the property we rented in deepest Devon. I liked the shadow and took the shot for it, but must admit the second, previously unnoticed, oof damsel adds to the sense of place. Watcha think? Please download to view.

(Download)

Bob Yankle Loc: Burlington, NC

Captivating ...... a really good angle on this one. I'm not usually a bug person, but dragonflies and butterflies are exempt from that grouping. It's obvious we're watching someone who is adept in the management of light sources.

Frank2013 Loc: San Antonio, TX. & Milwaukee, WI.

Almost a distraction for me magnetoman pulling my eye away..more so the lightness of color rather than damsel....great job on subject though.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Bob Yankle wrote:

Captivating ...... a really good angle on this one. I'm not usually a bug person, but dragonflies and butterflies are exempt from that grouping. It's obvious we're watching someone who is adept in the management of light sources.

Thank you Bob, glad you approve. My own tastes don't normally go for bugs either, but the low sun and a plethora of damsels and spiders were too much to resist. Got some nasty mosquito bites though!

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Frank2013 wrote:

Almost a distraction for me magnetoman pulling my eye away..more so the lightness of color rather than damsel....great job on subject though.

See what you mean Frank. It's a pity the background leaf is so pale. If I was keen enough I guess it could be changed, but I'm not that fussed over the shot. Lazy or wot!

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

magnetoman wrote:

Back from my break and pleased to have a decent internet connection again! Can't believe how frustrating it was not to get online anytime I wanted.
Anyway, just to prove I'm here, this is an evening shot around the carp lake that adjoined the property we rented in deepest Devon. I liked the shadow and took the shot for it, but must admit the second, previously unnoticed, oof damsel adds to the sense of place. Watcha think? Please download to view.

I like this very much. I think that shadow adds a level of interest that we don't always see in these kind of shots. I also think the back lighting of the foliage turned out very nicely. At least it looks like the light shining through the leaf is coming from the back; but then how did that shadow get there. I'm guessing that it is not back lighting then. I'm at a loss; but I really like the image.
erich

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

There's a lot I like, starting with the damselfly's shadow and including the oof one + the oof reeds. The conflict I have is the mood seems gentle and peaceful, but the light is sharp and bright.

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

ebrunner wrote:

I like this very much. I think that shadow adds a level of interest that we don't always see in these kind of shots. I also think the back lighting of the foliage turned out very nicely. At least it looks like the light shining through the leaf is coming from the back; but then how did that shadow get there. I'm guessing that it is not back lighting then. I'm at a loss; but I really like the image.
erich

Well Erich, I can promise it's not a composite!
The lighting was low sun from the camera back left and the reeds were fairly thick, so had depth if you see what I mean, so the light played through them. All a bit fortuitous. I'm sure if Billy were still training us all he would say it's just a happy snap!

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

Linda From Maine wrote:

There's a lot I like, starting with the damselfly's shadow and including the oof one + the oof reeds. The conflict I have is the mood seems gentle and peaceful, but the light is sharp and bright.

Hmmm, not sure I see what you're seeing Linda - my feeling is it will look dull if we tone it down. The sun was certainly bright, difficult to look toward due to being so low, and that effect was enhanced by the pond area being at the bottom of a sloping field, putting the sun at eye level. I remember commenting to the other Linda that it was giving me a headache!

ebrunner Loc: New Jersey Shore

magnetoman wrote:

Well Erich, I can promise it's not a composite!
The lighting was low sun from the camera back left and the reeds were fairly thick, so had depth if you see what I mean, so the light played through them. All a bit fortuitous. I'm sure if Billy were still training us all he would say it's just a happy snap!

I did not think it was a composite. The light just confused me. That's fine, though, as many things do that. lol
Erich

ediesaul

There are many elements in this photo that I like: the angles of the forefront leaves; the shadow of the dragonfly, which makes this catch especially interesting; the background leaves; the parallel other dragonfly. The colors are not over-pp-ed. The light is perfect. A very nice image!!!!

magnetoman Loc: Purbeck, Dorset, UK

ediesaul wrote:

There are many elements in this photo that I like: the angles of the forefront leaves; the shadow of the dragonfly, which makes this catch especially interesting; the background leaves; the parallel other dragonfly. The colors are not over-pp-ed. The light is perfect. A very nice image!!!!

Thank you Edie. I'm glad you've commented as you have a keen eye for a decent photograph - and you like it! Many thanks.