Name: Ripan Biswas
Picture title: Mating Underwater
Category: Butterflies & Dragonflies
Nationality: Indian
Occupation: Teacher

Ripan says:
‘For some species of damselfly, egg laying is a difficult task. They lay eggs on submerged vegetation so their eggs don’t get exposed in the air. The female climbs down deep in the water while the male clasps the neck of the female with a special organ on the tip of its tail. This is a difficult time for the pair as they become vulnerable to predators.

As I put my camera just above the water to start taking shots, a water strider came close to the pair in search of food. After inspecting the mating pair, he decided they would not make a good meal. I managed to take 2 or 3 shots before the water strider departed. The damselflies flew away after successfully laying their eggs.’

Technical information:
Nikon D5200
Tamron 90mm f/2.8 Macro
ISO 200
1/200sec at f/8
Accessories: Flash, handheld
Post processing: Basic adjustments in Lightroom and Photoshop

Website: ripanbiswas.com
Instagram: ripanbiswasphotography