When I was watering the garden this evening, I noticed there was a large number of dragonflies in the air above the chicken yard. They were feeding on small bugs and were coming to rest on the wire of the tomato cages. I took my camera out to see if I could get some photos. I didn't know if they'd sit still long enough for me to get any good shots, especially since I would want to get fairly close with the camera. But it was worth trying.
I thought I would share some of my favorite photos from this evening.
As always, you can click on the photos for a larger view.
The light in this photo looks much "cooler" (as in, temperature) than it really was today. It was sunny and about 95 degrees, but a small cloud passed in front of the sun, creating this cooler blue-cast light. I like the blue cast it put on the tomato cage wire and the body of the dragonfly.
I was really surprised how close they let me get! I was using a 100mm Macro lens, and to get a shot this close to the dragonflies head, I was much less than 12 inches from him.
All of the photos I took today were hand-held, meaning I didn't use a tri-pod of any kind to support the camera. I had to hold very steady to ensure good focus. And boy was it hot in the evening sun - and windy!
I was amazed at all the colors when I really got to looking at the dragonflies! Some had blue-black bodies, some were black with yellow stripes... some had black eyes, some had iridescent colors.
They all had beautiful wings, and it was very cool to see all the detailing in the wings.
For some reason, they really enjoyed resting on the wire of the tomato cages.
Most of them preferred resting on the vertical upright of the tomato cages, and rarely ever used their long hind legs to "hang on".
I noticed that most of the time, they landed on the wire so that the wire cast a shadow across their head. I don't know if this was intentional, or coincidence...
Some of them were more tolerating of me than others... this one sat still for a good long while.
I'm glad I took the time to see if I could photograph these fellas. Not only was it a neat experience having so many of them around and hearing them fly, but also having them be so trusting of me to allow me to get so close. And I have some fun photos to remember them with, too!
I've been asked many times recently about the camera that I use for my photos. I have an old blog post from 2007 that gives details on just that topic. You'll find it in the Categories list on the right, under the title of Photo Gear. Hope it's helpful!
omg what gorgeous creatures, and you have captured them so beautifully. Thanks so much for sharing your life and photos with us.
Evelynn from Ks.
Posted by: Evelyn Saddler | June 21, 2010 at 06:14 AM
WOWZER! Woman....you do get the best pics!!! I've also got tons of dragonflies in our garden, and I'm "pretty sure" I saw one eat a bug the other day..sure hope so, cuz it wasn't one of the "good bugs." I'll have to try my hand @ the photography when I return home..
your site is the best Anna!!!
Posted by: Kellie | June 20, 2010 at 05:09 PM
Pioneer Woman is having a bug photo contest. If you haven't already, please submit some of these!
Posted by: Gwen | June 19, 2010 at 08:48 PM
Oh my gosh, National Geographic should be beating down your door! Absolutely fabulous and the detail is just awesome.
Posted by: Rose Kerry | June 19, 2010 at 07:33 PM
Wow!! So close and sharp! Beautiful shots Anna!!
Take care and STAY POSITIVE!
Posted by: Trena in Naperville | June 19, 2010 at 01:11 PM
absolutely amazing photos!!! Who knew dragonflies could be so beautiful! Thank you for sharing all of your work with us....I am equally awed by your photography and your crafty projects :) Your blog is my fun stop each day b/c you just never know what you are going to find but it's always worth the trip!
Posted by: Meredith | June 19, 2010 at 06:24 AM
These are fantastic Anna! Thanks for taking the time to share them with us! So cool to see these close ups!
Kathy Camasso
Posted by: Kathyc on SCS | June 18, 2010 at 08:17 PM
Your pictures are amazing! I found your blog because of stamping, but I love reading about your farm adventures and seeing all the wonderful pictures!
Posted by: Terri Williams | June 18, 2010 at 07:25 PM
Oh! Oh! Oh! Anna!!! Thank you so much for braving the heat to get these FABULOUS photos to share with us. These are just BEAUTIFUL and amazing. I don't think I've ever seen such detail about a dragonfly. I have a friend who is crazy about them . . . I'm off to link her to your post!
Hugs!!
Posted by: Sharli | June 18, 2010 at 07:22 PM
Wow..I'm blown away by all of your pictures! Your beautiful photos belong in a book & framed on a wall!
TFS!! Have a peaceful weekend!
Posted by: Vina | June 18, 2010 at 06:01 PM
Those are OH SO BEAUTIFUL! Fantastic photos. You are such a skilled photographer, as we know! AMAZING! You need to submit your photos to any and every contest you can find! I know that you would win some of them!!! :D
Have a GREAT GREAT GREAT weekend!
Posted by: diane mcvey | June 18, 2010 at 03:36 PM
Wow! These are just awesome photo's. Thanks so much for sharing.
Posted by: Ida | June 18, 2010 at 01:23 PM
My husband and son were looking over my shoulder as I viewed these beauties, and Bob said, "Now THAT'S the kind of pictures I want to take!" These are awesome, and I love that blue light in the top photo!
Posted by: Shellie Daniel | June 18, 2010 at 01:17 PM
gorgeous....
I would like to purchase some of your photos to make a collage for my 'hobby room'. Your pictures are funny and make me laff. Where can I find prices and sizes. Also, would I also be able to put some of them on a 4.25x5.5 card front to mail to my mom. She can't get out much due to complications of diabetes.
Many thanks...I love the cows and chickies!
Deano
Posted by: Deano | June 18, 2010 at 11:55 AM
These are just amazing. That first one is so spectacular - well they all are. Thanks for sharing a special touch of summer. I love dragon flies. Hugs.
Posted by: Troy Louise | June 18, 2010 at 11:20 AM
Awesome close ups. The details are phenomenal!
Posted by: AnneC | June 18, 2010 at 11:05 AM
Your photos are amazing, Anna! I love dragonflies. They are perfect for The Pioneer Woman's latest photo challenge.
Posted by: Anthonette | June 18, 2010 at 10:26 AM
Oh Anna - what spectacular photographs. I would love to know what kind of camera you have. I realize that a good portion of these wonderful shots are due to your expertise, but good equipment doesn't hurt. Inquiring minds want to know. =)
Posted by: Lynn Mercurio | June 18, 2010 at 10:13 AM
AWESOME! I can't believe you don't walk around the farm with the camera around your neck all the time. You always seem to have so many wonderful things going on to photograph.
Posted by: Marti | June 18, 2010 at 10:06 AM
That is too cool!
Posted by: Jelena | June 18, 2010 at 09:32 AM
A-mazing photos!!!! National Geographic could not have done it better..... awesome Anna!
Hugs
Julie
Posted by: Julie Phillips | June 18, 2010 at 09:20 AM
My goodness - absolutely amazing!
Thanks so much!
Peace & Luv,
Jeannie
Posted by: Jeannie | June 18, 2010 at 08:23 AM
So very cool! Thanks for sharing these.
Posted by: Ann | June 18, 2010 at 07:57 AM
Fabulous photographs, Anna!!! I love to watch dragonflies doing their aerial acrobatics when I'm sitting on my deck. They are so colorful and graceful. I have never been able to get them to sit still long enough for me to get a decent picture but then I just have a small Sony CyberShot so the detail just wouldn't be there in the end. Thanks for sharing :)
Posted by: Cindy H. | June 18, 2010 at 07:14 AM
I'm so glad you followed your instinct and grabbed the camera last night. It was a worthwhile risk. You sure have a steady hand - these photos are so crisp and the resolution is high. I'm amazed at the variety of species. Personally I think the dragonflies intentionally parked themselves in the shadow of the tomato cage bar in order to shade their heads from the sun's tortuous rays. I sure enjoyed your photos. TFS.
Posted by: Gabi With An Eye | June 18, 2010 at 06:43 AM
OMG you are the most talented woman I know.... these photographs are unbelieveable....
Posted by: Harrit | June 18, 2010 at 06:04 AM
Ohhhh, Anna, Dragonflies are some of my all timeFAVORIEcreatures. I have tried unsucessfully for YEARS to get a good dragonflyphoto. Little buggers would never sit still or allow me to move close enough. I have a macro lens that came with my digital camera. Not as good as yours. I can only get about 18 inchs close. I am using a SONY a300. Still learning the finer points.
Do you suppose they land on the uprights because they simulate the reeds they usually hang on?
Posted by: Carol Dee | June 18, 2010 at 05:52 AM
Awesome, Awesome photos!
Posted by: Debbie | June 18, 2010 at 05:45 AM
Fabulous shots! I don't know what it is about dragonflies but I find them beautiful. The very first photo is especially wonderful!
Posted by: Jennifer Woodward | June 18, 2010 at 04:55 AM
Anna, your shots are amazing. Such a wonderful peak at nature!
Posted by: GLENDA BROOKS | June 18, 2010 at 01:51 AM
See those black spots on the tips of their wings? they are little tiny weights that allow the wings to beat faster than should they not have that additional weight on the wing tips. Isn't all nature all a miracle?
Posted by: Alyssa Byron | June 17, 2010 at 10:51 PM
These pictures are amazing, their eyes are so cool. I think you should just always take the camera outside then you won't have to run back to get it, and risk missing that award winning picture.
Thanks for sharing all your fun critters.
Hugs,
Di
Posted by: Diana Gibbs | June 17, 2010 at 10:33 PM
What stunning shots Anna! Their wings look like delicate pieces of stained glass ~ beautiful.
Posted by: Robb_eeie | June 17, 2010 at 10:22 PM