Blue dasher facing forward

One of the most common dragonflies in the country, but a good subject every time — those large teal eyes practically glow from a head-on angle, and this one held its perch on a grass seed head long enough for a clean, symmetrical portrait.

Why it matters

Blue dashers are known for a behavior called obelisking — pointing the abdomen straight up at the sun to minimize the body surface exposed to direct heat — a temperature-regulating trick common on the hottest days of summer.

Getting the shot

Shot straight down the dragonfly’s own axis rather than from the side, which centered the eyes and gave the whole frame a naturally symmetrical composition. Backlit wings picked up a warm amber tint at the base without any extra effort.