Dave Westover is a relative newcomer to the dragonfly world, having gotten "the bug" in 1994 while photographing a 'dragonfly field trip' sponsored by the Wisconsin chapter of the Nature Conservancy. Dave, however, is not a newcomer to the art of photography. He has worked closely with the Conservancy to photograph the natural areas set aside by this excellent organization. His real expertise, however, is revealed in his beautiful close-up photos of the plants and animals inhabiting these preserves.

After seeing some of Dave's dragonfly photos, Bill Smith (Bureau of Endangered Resources, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources) and Karl Lagler (a Wisconsin naturalist) convinced Dave to study and photograph the dragonflies of Wisconsin. The results of this endeavor led to the creation of the "Guide to the Common Dragonflies of Wisconsin," written by Karl Lagler, his wife Dorothy, and Dave. During the warmer months of each year, Dave and Karl guide a number of dragonfly field trips and also make numerous slide presentations about dragonflies.

Dave, who works in the graphic arts field in Sun Prarie, Wisconsin, has been an avid nature photographer for many years. His photos and drawings have appeared in numerous magazines , journals, and web sites. His online article about close-up photography with flash is a 'must read' for anyone interested in close-up photography.