<< Previous Next >>

Black-tailed Skimmer


Black-tailed Skimmer
Photo Information
Copyright: Alan Turvey (liquidsunshine) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2047 W: 113 N: 3421] (11488)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2006-07-14
Categories: Insects
Camera: Canon EOS 20D, Sigma 50-500mm f/4-6.3 EX APO RF, Hoya skylight (1B)
Exposure: f/14.0, 1/60 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2006-07-15 5:38
Viewed: 727
Points: 12
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
This is a male Black-tailed Skimmer (Orthetrum cancellatum).
I decided that working all day yesterday in this lovely weather we're having was too much. So I put in a few extra hours early morning and left for the afternoon.
I chose to spend an hour or so at college lake nature centre in Bulbourne. Last year at this site I had a lot of very good photo opportunities.

The site is an old quarry and has been a nature reserve for almost 10 years. It's mainly used by Birdwatchers, but I like it for the vast selection of D'flys and other insects.

I've also been trying out the new Raw shooter premium software. For those of you who shoot in RAW and haven't tried it yet, give it a go, it's brilliant.

Back to the image, the BG is not great, I couldn't choose where the Skimmer landed ;) I was also pleased that the wing detail has come through on this shot.
I did get a few shots of the brightly coloured female (which is yellow), but the distances involved meant that the quality isn't as good as I'd hoped.
I'm heading back to College lake today for another go at getting the female among a few others.

Thanks for looking, have a great weekend.
wkshelton, ramthakur, scottevers7, valy67, coasties has marked this note useful
Only registered TrekNature members may rate photo notes.
Add Critique [Critiquing Guidelines] 
Only registered TrekNature members may write critiques.
Discussions
None
You must be logged in to start a discussion.

Critiques [Translate]

Hello Allan, another great photo, excllent colors, Bg, POV DOF Perfect colors, graet work, TFS Kyle

Good clear shot, Alan.
I like your point of view.
TFS.

Hi Alan,
An excellent shot on this skimmer, Beautful colors and sharp detail. I think the backround looks good as it is nicely OOF.
Scott

  • Great 
  • valy67 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1318 W: 52 N: 1782] (5276)
  • [2006-07-15 13:54]

Hi Alan !
These big insects are very common where I live, and I love them, they're so beautiful ! This is an excellent capture ! Details, colors, composition, POV are very nice, and the BG is also very beautiful as it is out of focus. Very well done !
Valérie.

Hi Alan

I am currently away on holiday and working from my laptop, so my critiques wil be 'short and sweet' for the next few weeks.

As usuual, you share with us a high quality shot. Thank you! :-)

Hi Alan
I think that the BG is not at all bad. Super blurred backgrounds sometimes prevent us from seeing the animal's natural surroundings. DOF on the fly is mear perfect, as is composition. I have a similar nature park near where I work, I'll have to make an effort to get up there at lunchtimes!

Calibration Check
















0123456789ABCDEF