Bayou Dragon

I have been working on photographing dragonflies since I first started macro. Last year progress was made when I started using the Sigma 105mm. The extra working distance and more importantly the ability to focus at magnifications less than 1:1 allowed me to photograph the critters. This taught me how to recognize good opportunities in the field. I have found it is much easier to approach Dragons when they are on a perch that is chest high. Waist high works as well but the approach needs to be made from a crouching position or on one’s knees. Starting from 2 or 3 feet out I lift the camera to the approximate focal plane and slowly creep forward. I watch the insects legs and wings for twitches, halting when I see the it is nervous. When I get within a foot, I pop a test shot to get the insect accustomed to the flash. Overhead flash doesn't typically work, more often than not scaring the subject away. I find a 45-to-60 degree angle works best. If it takes flight, time spent closing in and the frustration that goes along with the failed effort are spared. Within a foot of the subject, my forward movement comes to a crawl, inching forward every 10 or 15 seconds until I reach the desired magnification. This summer I have been using this same strategy with the MP-E. So far results are encouraging. I have managed to photograph several dragons. This photo is the best of the lot, so far…..Image specs - Single Shot handheld - Canon 5D-III, MP-E 65mm @ 1:1, - f/13 - SS 1/50 - ISO200 - MT-24EX - ETTL +1EV with DIY concave hardbox - compositional crop.Artist: William Banik;
Exposure Date: 2015:07:05 08:40:03;
Copyright: William Banik - 2014;
Make: Canon;
Model: Canon EOS 5D Mark III;
ExposureTime: 1/50 s;
FNumber: f/13;
ISOSpeedRatings: 200;
ExposureProgram: Manual;
ExposureBiasValue: 0/1;
MeteringMode: Pattern;
Flash: Flash fired, compulsory flash mode;
FocalLength: 65 mm;
Software: Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.7 (Macintosh);