dragon fly pic, immposible or what???

[adkmountainken]

i wanted to take a nice pic of a dragon fly as they are awesome, beautifull critters. well i took about 75 pics while fishing twice sunday. close ups, 2x, 3x, every way possible. i downloaded the pic's and low and behold not a one came out good!! not even the still photos!! what gives, are they ghosts!!!!! could someone try and see if you can take a nice close up or detailed pic of one? good luck,
Ken

[redhawk]

Guess you need a lesson from Fvrwld. She got an awesome shot when we paddled the kunjamuk to Elm Lake.

I'm sure she'll post it now that you gave her an excuse.

[adkmountainken]

i would really apperiate that. very beautifull and interesting critter. they hold alot of magic for many people.

[fvrwld]

OK...if you insist...

[Kevin]

Val, you have the Olympus 4100 right? My digicam doesn't do that well (Nikon Coolpix 4100) in macro mode. I think some of it has to do with the camera. Also helpful to ensure that the subject is in the middle and closest to the lens. I did some experimenting this weekend with my macro as well, I'll be back with my results and tips.

[fvrwld]

I have the Olympus Stylus 410. I've used my Macro setting quite a bit and have found the best results keping the camera about 12-20 inches from the subject and zooming in.

[lumberzac]

That's an awesome picture Val.

[fvrwld]

Thanks Zac!

I was lucky that the dragonfly decided to land so close to me and stay for so long.

[Kevin]

Here's an example of getting too close to the subject with the camera and zooming in (3x optical and autofocus):




Same shot, taken 6 inches further from the subject with the same zoom factor (3x optical and autofocus):




It helps if there's a lot of sunlight, especially if the subject is moving.

[Kevin]

Bee (?), taken a few feet away with full zoom (12x), autofocus, and flash:




Without the flash, despite the sunlight and stationary subject, the shot came out blurry:

[Creekwader]

OK...if you insist...

Great photo, but its a damselfly, not a dragon!

[adkmountainken]

great pic, made my day!!!

[oheuston]

I usually use a tripod to get good results. The first was taken with my old point and shoot digital years ago in macro mode. The second was taken with my Nikon D70.

[Kevin]

Heuston, those are awesome! I have a mini-tripod on order that will likely solve my macro issues.

Here's one I took yesterday:

[marzrw]

That 2nd shot Heuston is awesome...Very vibrant background...I'm assuming not planned, but awesome...