The thing about dragonflies…

Dragonflies don’t take direction well. They land on a piece of frond and then they stay still. Which you probably think is a good thing, and yes it lets you take a photo. Actually, if you are like me, you take 10 photos, and the only difference between them might be the light if the sun goes behind a cloud. They land with their back to you, and you beg them to turn around. There are more attractive fronds that you wish they would land on, but mostly they just chose a plain stick. Years ago I took a photo class and we were told we’d take pictures of dragonflies that day. I was skeptical. They always seem to be just flitting past you, how would we take a picture? But in that class we were told the secret to taking dragonfly pictures. Watch where they are landing, then set up your camera, preferably on a tripod, and focus on that spot, because they will come back. So I should probably just be thankful for that tidbit of information, and not get frustrated when the dragonfly doesn’t smile for the camera.

I recently declared that Hurricane Ian had ushered in some fall-like weather. But today was hot and sunny, and I was out at probably the worst time of day for light in my photos. I guess I don’t take direction well either.