How I photograph dragonflies in flight, and why I do it as I do.

[@susieboard3230]

I've only managed perched dragonfly shots so far, I must watch them closer. Love your in-flight shots 👌

[@Michal_Kosakowski]

Great shots. Thanks for sharing your advice.

[@sidensvans67]

Lovely pictures .

[@cpa2788]

Thanks very much indeed. Your detailed explanation of camera settings for this particular job is very helpful and some of the still shots you show here are exquisite.

[@pannhandle]

Really enjoyed that Colin, thank you.

[@jonhillman]

Some amazing shots there! I'm still only at perched dragonfly ability 😅 I'll refer to this video when they're out and about again!

[@lionhawk555]

It's not really a tutorial about starting dragonfly flight photography though. Feel free to ask me questions if you do start.

[@alexandhair6126]

Great job and explaination! What lense do you generally use for rhis purpose? Thanks 💪💪💪

[@lionhawk555]

Nikkor 300mm f/4 E PF

[@cjk1943]

great video

[@ungavaproductions]

Amazing shots, beautiful. Would like to know if you use a Better Beamer extender for flash and get more distance and more flashes ? Why don't you put your camera set-up also

[@lionhawk555]

I do use a better beamer. As for the camera settings - there are hundreds of them. And I often change them.

[@robertbarnes2598]

I'm wondering if you tried the pre-release capture mode and if this would even help you.

[@lionhawk555]

Yes. It is perfect for capturing take-off sequences. I did it a lot this year.

[@robertbarnes2598]

@@lionhawk555 Sorry I needed mention great video as it was and filled with valuable info. Also thanks for the tip for take offs.

[@Fisheagle1]

I hope the new Autocapture feature in firmware V 4.0 brings you a step change in your success rate, especially with the auto focus improvements too. The dragonflies in my garden are completely random in their flight patterns and so far all I have achieved, pre Autocapture - which I haven’t tested yet, is chasing shadows like an idiot. Stunning photos well done!

[@lionhawk555]

I shan;t be trying auto-capture. I cannot see what it could do for me. What is of great help in 4.0 is the increase in buffering time on pre-release from 30 seconds to 300. I got a great sequence of shots yesterday of a four-spotted chaser attacking a broad-bodied chaser.

[@cveale2008]

Thank you for taking the trouble to share your techniques and beautiful images. I have just acquired a Nikon Z8 for this very purpose and am pleased to note your success in using the focussing and frame rate capabilities of the Z9. I heard you mention Priory Meadow as a good location. Would that be in Christchurch, Dorset? I live near there so would be interested to find another good spot

[@eugecoscarelli9745]

Hi Colin, some amazing flight shots. Curious to know why Nikon Z9 and not the OM-1 system? Higher frame rate and far less expensive than Z9. Very informative re the settings too. Cheers

[@lionhawk555]

I never for a moment thought about switching systems. That's a rich man's (or a professional's) game. And the OM-1 is not faster than the Z9 - both top out at 120 fps. But I have never used more than 30 pfs. 20 is sufficient for my needs. More importantly, with flash, I can achieve 15 fps at 4m fully illuminating the subject.

[@simonpayne7994]

Dragon flies do seem to be difficult because of their length and breadth. Bees being more compact are probably easier. What you ought to try is Topaz Sharpen AI. This software might rescue the picture where the dragon fly's back end is slightly out of focus.

[@lionhawk555]

Topaz products do not run on Linux, so that is not an option. But I would be interested to see before and after comparisons of a dragonfly full length.

[@Walkinginthewoods]

Nice photographs Colin. I got some reasonable dragonfly in-flight results with the D500 and am keen to try this with my Z9. Have found the autofocus works if the background is not too busy. Cheers.

[@CarstenBruhn]

Unbearable to listen/watch. TIP: Get a proper microphone.