One tidbit that a number of experienced ode seekers have told me is: If you come across a perched dragonfly/damselfly and it flies away, just stand there for a few moments. Most are territorial and will return to the same perch. It has worked for me many times.
If you can, I would also take JimMoore’s advice and get a lens where you don’t have to be so close. I, unfortunately, don’t have one. I have to move very, very, very, slowly and I do miss shots. But, it is too much fun to quit.
Now, there are a number of species that patrol all day long. But, if you know where they are and can get there early in the morning when it is still cool, you may catch them perched in the sun trying to heat up or you can get a photo of them covered in dew drops.
Best of luck!