Eye to Eye Photo | TrekEarth

Photographer’s Note

It's about 6 weeks since I last saw darters, and realizing that it will be a good deal more weeks before I see any again, I'm beginning to suffer withdrawal symptoms..
I came across - or rather face to face with - this chap back in mid September, when the weather was still relatively warm, at least during daytime. It's a sympetrum vulgatum, male, and in the un-resized version of the photo the individual eyes are clearly visible, the only time I've managed to get that close. This particular type of darter is not so easy to ID, as it has a close relative, the sympetrum striolatum, but according to my book the striolatum has a black line on top of the head, whereas in the vulgatum this line continues down beside the eyes, as seems to be the case here.
Treatment: Crop, USM and resize.

sulucas has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

manny (21378) 2003-11-20 5:22

IMO opinion, this is so far the best insect shot you've ever posted. I love the composition and the details that go along with it.The colors are so warm.

carper (65028) 2003-11-20 6:18

wauw bente,

What a macro, what an eyes. Good shot. I like it very much.

martin (1242) 2003-11-20 6:36

Very impressive macro. I like the composition, particularly the positioning of its legs.

didcreole (962) 2003-11-20 7:57

What an impressive shot...
I know it's difficult to take a picture of this kind of insect (I tried) but with the focus on the eyes it would be perfect...

RobBrown (1789) 2003-11-20 12:43

Evening Bente I am very surprised that you havent posted this before now
A superb shot its so difficult to get DOF this close head on and apart from the hind part of the wings it is spot on, try a spot of brun tool or sharpen brush along the hind edge only. it is beautifully lite and seen. ;0)))))#

cdewet (0) 2003-11-21 12:22