Hi
I would be really grateful for any help I could get from bird forum users.
I would like to start photographing dragonflies this year - I have a Nikon Coolpix 4300 and a 3x tele-c lens.
What advice would anyone have on which mode -ie manual or auto settings. Is it adviseable to use a cable release or a tripod.
Thanks very much
Mikah
Firstly, forget flight shots, at least to start with!
On the assumption that you'll mainly be shooting in good light you can stop the lens down to minimum aperture to maximise depth of field.
Bright light also makes using the LCD screen a bit difficult - a sunshade (especially with 2x magnification) is very useful.
I'm not familiar with the settings on this model but if it hasn't got a 'spot' autofocus mode you may find using manual focus more useful - preset a distance and them move in back and forth to get the sharpest image, not forgetting to allow for the slight delay in 'refresh rate' of the screen.
If you've selected the aperture to use, 'aperture-priority' exposure mode is the best choice for exposure, using the +/- exposure compensation to adjust the exposure where necessary according to the LCD screen.
Having all the focus and exposure settings pre-set ready allows you to concentrate on the subject which means carefully approaching the insect from the angle you want the final photo to be at.
Different species have different levels of tolerance as far as approaching them goes - you'll get the feel of it as you go along!
Some of the smaller dragonfly species such as darters can be very approachable and they often return to just a few favoured perches.
At the other end of the scale, many damselflies are much more wary. so with their smaller size this is where your 3x converter may come in useful!
Emperors tend to land on a reed-stem out in the middle of a pool after flying around continuously for ages so be prepared for a bit of frustration with these!
Later in the year, Southern and Migrant hawkers can also fly around quite a lot but then suddenly land on a twig or a leaf and stay there for minutes at a time giving you the chance of a very close approach.
When going up to the dragonfly you'll need to get right down to their level for your final approach - don't go right up to them and then crouch down. If the grass is wet then you'll have to be prepared to get soaked from head to foot!
Also, if you've got the right kit, digiscoping is a more than useful way of getting shots of the more difficult to approach species.
I suggest you PM Forcreeks who takes loads of brilliant dragonfly photos!
Also Richard Ford.