Halloween Pennant
Celithemis eponina, better known as the Halloween pennant. A type of dragonfly.
Celithemis eponina, better known as the Halloween pennant. A type of dragonfly.
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Nov, 2014Views
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Behind The Lens
Location
It's been a while, but I took this here in DeKalb, IL, in my own back yard effectively; we live in an apartment and there is a pond in back that I've gotten many nice shots at.Time
It was around mid-day.Lighting
I don't use specialized lighting a lot for nature shots, but I try to keep aware of where the sun is, and where shadows will fall, particularly my own shadow, not because it can get into the shot, but because it can scare away the animals I am trying to take photos and change the lighting. You also have to be careful with the refraction and reflection of light off of water when working around it.Equipment
At the time I had a Canon G6 given to me by my parents before they passed away; it's since broken and been traded in twice, first for a G12 with the aid of my wife's parents, then for a G15 when that one broke. I consider it still a gift from them all, since one lead to the other, and cherish that. I didn't have time to use a tripod; I had to follow the dragonfly and be patient and wait for my shot and for it to settle long enough.Inspiration
I'm a shutterbug; my wife jokes I take pictures of anything that doesn't run away fast enough. I see fascinating things all around me that others do not notice, and want to share them.Editing
Other than cropping and sometimes down-sizing for clarity, I usually avoid much post-processing on my photos. On this one it's been a while, but likely the only thing I'd have done is shrink it some.In my camera bag
My camera, spare batteries in a plastic bag, a charger. I'd love to have a long-distance lens. Saving up for one. I often have my tripod with me, and a mini-tripod, but a lot of what I have is sheer utter patience and a knack for getting close to animals and waiting for my shots.Feedback
Be patient. Certain animals are skittish, coming and going as they will, and you have to wait for the shot. Take coots; they are some of the shiest birds I know, but one day I got lucky sitting on a bank with a rather bold one that came over to eat near some geese it felt safe around. Patience does wonders. Also, keep looking. A lot of what I find is right there to be seen, but most people just... drive past. That is why I love walking.
