Anita's Photoblog
Bee on Helianthus (a native sunflower)
Posted by Anita (West Nottingham, United States) on 22 October 2008 in Animal & Insect and Portfolio.
Taken last month at Fair Hill, Maryland, USA. Cropped from a larger image. I don't know what kind of bee it is.
For those interested in the decline of honey bees, I recommend reading "Fruitless Fall: The collapse of the honey bee and the coming agricultural crisis" by Rowan Jacobsen.
*****THANK YOU FOR VISITING ANITA'S PHOTOBLOG!*****
I welcome your honest critique, especially if they will improve my photography.
If I have made a mistake in a flower identification, please let me know!
A few words about the EXIF data, beginning in April when I began using Nikon D300 and the Sigma 105mm macro: My new camera and macro lens record the relative or effective f stop, not the one seen on the lens. For an explanation of this, go to the next to the last question at this site.
Arash from Dubai, United Arab Emirates
It's a great macro indeed.
I like yellow tones in this shot and the details are fascinating.
22 Oct 2008 8:39am
Betty from New Jersey, United States
Fantastic macro! And, working in a Cooperative Extension office, we are very much aware of the honey bee crisis.
22 Oct 2008 10:19am
@Betty: Thanks, Betty. Do you have any idea what type of bee this is?
I understand there is also a decline in pollinators other than the honey bee.
Paul Michko from Exton, PA, United States
This is outstanding, Anita. The clarity and use of the yellow full frame adds a wonderful backdrop for this industrious fella.
22 Oct 2008 10:26am
MaryP from Aberdeenshire, United Kingdom
Marvellous macro! I, too, lke the overall yellow colour. I do'nt think many people realise just how serious this Honey-bee crisis is, and what effects it will have on agriculture. We have been following a TV programme on the subject and things look pretty bleak if the virus is not contained and stopped.
22 Oct 2008 12:45pm
@MaryP: Mary. Thanks for your input on the image and honey bees. My understanding is that it is believed not to be a virus that is causing the CCD (Colony Collapse Disorder), and that no one actually knows what the cause is. Some speculte that it is caused by a number of factors coming together.
Sue from United States
Goodness. How in the world did you get that little guy to sit still and pose for you? Your capture is so nice and sharp that you can even see the pollen on the bee. And the detail on his wings -- awesome.
22 Oct 2008 6:16pm
António Pires from Lisbon, Portugal
This is a composition on black over yellow, using the bee as an actor.
22 Oct 2008 8:01pm
Double KK Photography from West Richland, United States
awesome macro great colors and details
22 Oct 2008 8:08pm
Kathryn from Warburton, Australia
I agree with Sue that it is great that you have captured the pollen on the bee! my personal favourite part is the shapes of the yellow things (sorry i can't figure out what to call them! It's way too early in the morning here for that kind of thought process!) lovely image!
22 Oct 2008 8:37pm
Kathryn from Warburton, Australia
I didn't even know that the bees were disppearing except that it was mentioned in an episode of Doctor Who!!! haha. Is this a world-wide issue or just a northern hemisphere thing? I will have to do some research!
22 Oct 2008 8:39pm
@Kathryn: I'm not sure if the honey bee problem is world wide, however, the decline in pollinators in a world-wide phenomenon.
Rachael from Heber Springs, United States
It's tiny face appears to be covered with pollen. Fantastic capture.
23 Oct 2008 5:17am
Frida from Sweden
Excellent macro Anita. His little face is covered with pollen . I love this kind of images :-)
23 Oct 2008 7:03am
Frida from Sweden
Excellent macro Anita. His little face is covered with pollen . I love this kind of images :-)
23 Oct 2008 7:04am
Koushiro~光子郎 from Singapore, Singapore
Oh man that is SWEET! The bee that is... Great body detail and superb colour!
23 Oct 2008 9:26am
Ana Lúcia from Leiria, Portugal
The details are amazing Anita. Is full of pollen. What greedy!
23 Oct 2008 7:36pm
Betsy Barron from Glenmoore, United States
great shot Anita - however this is a bumble bee - honey bees are much smaller - we are backyard beekeepers, read here for more information on our hive - you are welcome to come and photograph any time!!
23 Oct 2008 9:48pm
@Betsy Barron: Betsy: Thanks for clarifying. I didn't know what kind of bee it was. We have many types here on our property, but don't keep honey bees. I enjoyed your bee site and photos.
bisha from Saitama, Japan
Great detail! I too love the effect of overall yellow in the frame.
24 Oct 2008 2:16pm
David Ross from Bryn Mawr, PA, United States
Unless my eyes are playing tricks, at least some of the pollen is falling through the air. So, I have an image of great energy (ferocity) as this bumble bee goes about his work. Not only is this a lovely shot, but it tells me more about what bees do than the textbook photos and films I remember from grammar school.
25 Oct 2008 12:41pm
JJ from Jersey City, United States
superb macro, lovely detail and colors, so beautiful
27 Oct 2008 12:08am
mohkum from Muscat, Oman
Lovely colours and well exposed details, excellent work!
31 Oct 2008 6:39am
Konica Minolta MAXXUM 5D
1/125 second
F/3.5
ISO 200
150 mm (35mm equiv.)