Click to enlarge-he is tiny!

Photo Tip Post (as promised)

Shooting dragonflies–in flight–is a great way to practice your tracking and focus. Use a longer lens so you have a little distance. I often use my 70-200 f4. You can try auto-focus but I generally switch to manual. The subject is very small for auto focus to isolate and track. Spend some time just watching. You will start to see that dragonflies have erratic flying patterns and that they hover for short moments. Those moments are your moments! They also have a tendency to leave and come back to the same resting place so watch for that as well. If your camera accommodates burst mode-use it!  Dragonflying will make you mad with frustration but when you get that one successful shot, it will all be worth it.

You can read my full article on photographing dragonflies, complete with several photos here  (feel free to comment if you like) :

http://www.mnn.com/local-reports/new-hampshire/local-blog/how-to-photograph-the-graceful-dragonfly

Or if you just like pictures

http://njwight.tumblr.com/post/17515705106/heading-back-to-camp-for-a-nice-long-gin-and

http://njwight.tumblr.com/post/17496558004/dragonflying-the-act-of-standing-in-the-hot-sun