The photographer is looking for generalized feedback about the aesthetic and technical qualities of their image.
Description
Well I suppose that if you are a DRAGONfly you might not fear the Hydra all that much. In the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl we were without power for a few hours less than a full week. I still had charged batteries in the cameras though and since I had nothing else to do I had a nice photo session with this little lady blue dasher. Perhaps she had some modeling training because she posed very nicely for several minutes. After getting all kinds of keepers with my 70-200 I went back inside for the high mag rig. If you looked like this would you be afraid? All comments welcome. >=))>
Specific Feedback
I’m getting spoiled by the incredible sharpness and ease of use of the 70-200. I used to hate using extension tubes on zoom lenses but I have learned and repented. The old venerable 200 macro is still the king of the real close stuff although getting precise focus is much more difficult. However once I get that right the detail is hard to beat.
Technical Details
Living Dangerously
Sony A7rIII
Sony Fe 70-200 f2.8 GM-II, 2xTC @ 394mm
ISO 400, 1/60 @ f16
Me Fear?
Sony A77II
Minolta 200mm macro, 2xTC
ISO 400, 1/15 @ f22
Critique Template
Use of the template is optional, but it can help spark ideas.
Wonderful, wonderful!! You captured so many details so beautifully! Dragonflies are truly one of my favorite insects - possibly because they have always made me think they were the probable model for the Sikorsky Sky Crane helicopter (which is the only helicopter I’ve ever wanted to have a ride in). Her face is beautiful, and I’m wondering if I’m the only one who imagined her with a touch of lipstick. I’m fascinated by the compound eyes with the dark spot reminiscent of a pupil, similar to the eyes of mantis shrimp. Congratulations on having such a sweet model and capturing her so well!
Oh Bill, this is just really great. Wonderful details. I love the first shot because of it’s close up but the other one is nice where you can see her environment, which is that lovely Hydra. Well done!
What a combination, Bill. That gorgeous Hydra and a Dragonfly! I like both images, though I’d probably be tempted to crop the first one down just looking at it as the stem it’s perched on and getting rid of the others, but that’s just my taste. The in-your-face impact of the second image is just awesome.
These are both excellent Bill. I love the colors of both the dragonfly and the hydra. The second closeup image of the face is incredible. I really appreciate your discussion of equipment and setting information too.
Bill, both views are top notch. However, the close-up is spectacular, with excellent detail and sharpness in her face and her perch. You might burn-in her eyes just a touch for more detail in the facets, especially up top. Some Blue Dashers can be closely approached if you take your time. The mirrorless camera folks are being very slow to come out with something near 200 mm, yet that focal length is critical for getting close to flying insects. At least my old 180 has autofocus…
How completely cool!! The closeup is fantastic! The first is simply gorgeous and my first thought was what @Dennis_Plank saw – a crop of just the left half shows off the DF on that gorgeous curved branch. Maybe a little cloning from the right for intruding elements and you have a twofer.
