The photographer is looking for thoughtful feedback on the image as a whole, especially around the areas noted below.
Feedback Focus: Artistic + Technical
About This Image
You will have noticed how damselflies often open and close their wings while at rest. In the case of this one, Atrocalopteryx atrata, I think the wing-clapping may act to help regulate its temperature. It could also be used to attract females, but wherever I see this common species at the moment, it seems to be with a steady partner (of course, it may still want to be attractive!). Whatever the function, it offers a good test for getting the subject in focus.
Feedback Requested
I challenge you to get a shot of this action with better focus, as clearly the focus here - especially on the tail - is not perfect. A shot with motion blur would be very interesting too.
Your head on view and perfect symmetry makes for a better image than a couple I got of this same little flap. It’s tough to time as it’s so quick - kudos to you. No motion blur in mine either, but I agree it could be a nice touch. Maybe if I shoot out of the kayak I can get something like that.
Mike, this look great, with the iridescence of the abdomen showing well. The wing position is good also, nice timing! The shadow say, mild overcast which helps let the details show. In the largest view, it looks like there’s a mild halo around the wings, suggesting that you pushed the clarity (local contrast) pretty hard. The details in the wings are excellent.
Sorry, but I will not accept your challenge, because I have attempted to achieve overall focus on these insects with no success. There’s always some area of blur. That said, I really think this is excellent. The slight blur on tail area does not bother me. Everywhere else if wonderful although a very small nit: perhaps remove the stem in upper left, if you are so inclined.
Mike: Getting the plane of focus spot on with these guys is a trick and I think you did really well. The eyes are tack sharp and that’s the critical POF. The wing position and its symmetry are terrific. Most excellent effort here. >=))>
Wonderful capture with excellent DOF and detail and the perfect pose!! I thought the same about the stem – I think it’s worth removing it. This dude deserves all the viewer’s attention!
Beautiful work, Mike. The slight softness at the end of the abdomen is pretty trivial when the rest is handled so beautifully and this angle of view fully justifies that little bit. I was so focused on the critter that I didn’t even notice the stem in the upper right, so you can leave it as far as I’m concerned.
