These dragonflies were photographed at a local arboretum in Baton Rouge. Every once in a while I can get one that seems to enjoy posing for the camera, allowing me to get fairly close. But most of the time, they are extremely skittish. If you spot them flying around, pick a dead stalk or something metal to stand near and be very still (with your tripod). Eventually, they'll probably come around to light, but it takes an inordinate amount of patience--something I lack in all other areas of my life--except photography. :)
Approximately 5680 different dragonfly species belong to the order Odonata. They are beneficial for eating mosquitoes, flies, bees, ants, and wasps; very rarely, butterflies. In turn, they can be eaten by frogs, birds, lizards, and spiders. Dragonflies hang out by rivers, ponds and marshes, so if you find yourself near a water source, they are probably around somewhere.
38 comments:
hi there,
extremely beautiful shots of the dragonfly!
this is the first time i've been to this site and am glad i have.
love your blog!
have a great week ahead~
He's beautiful, or rather, your photos of him are. You have more patience than I do.
truly gorgeous and utterly impressive shots, gail!!!
Oh wow, love these gorgeous shots. I think dragonflies are the prettiest of bugs, second only to butterflies.
Every post you amaze me with your photography skills - you are incredible, Gail! I have a fascination with dragonflies so these photos definitely captured my attention. Hugs to you!
OH. MY. GOODNESS!! What stunning detail you were able to capture!! I don't think I have the patience needed for this type of photography!! But! I'm so glad you do!
These are fabulous, Gail. I think my favorite is the second, just because I like the color of that one so well. I think the fourth one looks as if it's flirting with you. :)
I love your Odonata photos, Gail. I'm afraid most dragonflies are done here till next summer but, for sure, I will try to get some neat photos like these.
PHEW! The 4th picture down I'd swear he was looking at me with big teeth and smiling. LOVE THESE!
Stunning close-ups Gail. Beautiful creatures in an ugly sort of way.
Oh my goodness look at the detail in the eyes!!!
AMAZING photos.
Oh Gail you blow me away I would never have seen into the eyes without your beautiful photography. Thank you. HUG B
I love the 4th picture with the turn of the head, these are perfect and not to mention the colors!
Wow, amazing closeups! Love your dragons! Awesome photos, have a happy week!
Wow, Gail, these are amazing! You're inspiring me to get out my macro lens.
Oh Gail...this is FABulous!!!
Oh, but I wish I had your patience! Hmm, I do believe that second dude was flirting with you. Hadn't a clue there were so many dragonflies, wow. All of these little critters are sooo important,
Dick's back in a couple of hours. I even managed to clean up the mess I made and get to the grocery. A couple of LA folks I've shown A-Z to loved it, very inspiring.
Good luck with your projects!
I don't believe that I have ever noticed how the wings are so finely squared in pattern. I am really enjoying your macro lens. You are able to deliver such detailed photos and this is GREAT!
hugs
Incredible shots.
oh.my..gosh!!
breathtakingly spectacular!!
i had no idea they looked like this!!!
thank you for sharing !!
holy schmoly, I don't know how you get so close and capture such wonderful macros.
Excellent work, Gail! The detail is just fantastic! What gorgeous photos!
Fabulous...I just adore dragonflies and they seem to just show up where ever I am...like today, one came and landed on my toe! Sadly I didn't have either my phone or my big girl camera to capture it, but it was amazing none the less!
my goodness, these are gorgeous, especially that second one!
Oh, my goodness - those are incredible shots!!
magnificent, Magnificent, MAGNIFICENT, M.A.G.N.I.F.I.C.E.N.T!
That last one is so MAGNIFICENT because she or he is looking right at me / you!
Hit up your nearest thrift shop and get in the roll of new clothes for pennies on the dollar. You have a Plato's near you huh? Wishing you many shopping days of great deals, girlfriend! ♥
Superb dragon portraits!
I'm "Odonata-challenged" as I usually have difficulty identifying these guys. But I'm trying to learn!
...and I thought birds were challenging!
Absolutely unreal, Gail! I cannot believe how macro these macros are! Amazing detail.
Gail I love dragonflies and those photos are SUPER amazing ... I don't think I have ever seen better.
Love the expressions I can see on his face and all the wonderful detail !
WOW, an absolute WOW! These shots are amazing... I hope you enlarge some to frame and hang on your wall...
I have never known what a dragonfly really looked like until this minute! Beautiful. Incredible!
Brilliant macros Gail. Their eyes are stunning aren't they.
Their wings are spectacular ! Looks like they have been handcrafted with glitter :) beautiful captures as always Gail .
I absolutely love the 2nd to last one. It's like he's pondering what he's looking at! Splendid shots as always!
Stunning details, Gail. I love dragonflies.
Spectacular...look like pilots with binoculars ready to take flight.
Awesome! It's been several years since I've had any good dragonfly shots.
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