Friday, March 8, 2013

A Bee-autiful world . . .


"Pollinators are what ecologists call keystone species.
You know how an arch has a keystone.
It's the one stone that keeps the two halves of the arch
together {...} If you remove the keystone, the whole arch collapses."

~ May Berenbaum, PhD, Entomologist 


It's not exactly a secret that I have a thing for insects. I can't explain it really, and I know a lot of people don't share that affinity with me. But, if I at least peak your interest I'll have done what I set out to do.

One of the many things I love about spring, besides that beautiful shade of green that starts showing up in the trees and the bushes and in the grass and the new little seedlings sprouting from the ground, is what follows right behind it . . . the honey bee. Such an incredible little aerodynamically built creature.

As the temperatures have become warmer, and the nurseries are stocking up with their favorite flowers I'm seeing more and more of them. It's been a bit difficult to photograph them though as it's been horribly windy here, but these guys are a bit tricky anyway just because they are always on the move. Double whammy! 

{Rosemary}

I have to say it was really exhausting trying to follow them in the Rosemary, never at any one flower more than a half a second.

{Stock}

And then thankfully she chose this pretty pink flower. I definitely noticed there are some flowers they go to that make them much easier to photograph than others and Stock seems to be one of them. Their flight pattern isn't nearly as erratic as with the Rosemary.

{Stock}

Have you ever paid much attention to the blob they carry on their hind legs? No? Well. . . they have special pollen baskets on their hind legs that have many hairs so that when they gather the pollen and after mixing in a little bee saliva, they can comb it through those hairs. In fact you can usually guess as to which flower they were visiting based on what color it is. {Look at the first photo again}

{Stock}

My submission to Photo Art Friday - theme Abstract - using only Bonnie's textures. I started with a tulip photo I painted with my lens so the photo was already somewhat abstract. Then I added the textures dropped egg, art smoke, no rules, aged text and vintage vellum. I have to admit, I'm enjoying abstract photo art more and more, but it does take thinking outside the box for me.



I have to say I had the best time watching the bees in the Camellias. But I'm going to have to go back to get better photos since I wasn't as pleased with how those turned out. The bee completely disappears into the middle of the flowers stamens and there were too many deep shadows to get a lot of detail. So, you know what that means .  . . there will be more bee shots and more bee trivia! ;)

Hope you have a bee[autiful] weekend!
Love, Kim
XO

Sharing with Photo Art Friday, Little Things Thursday, Thursdays Favorite Things,
Friday Photo Journal, Finding Serendipity [1440]




44 comments:

Marilyn said...

Kim, your bee photos are "bee_utiful"! The abstract is really interesting. I don't know what texture was used or perhaps it's one of the images that was used, but I see some metallic. I really like the mystery of it....like what's in there?

Anonymous said...

Hi Kim.
You have so beautiful photos.

Anonymous said...

Love the texture photo too.

mail4rosey said...

I think these photos are amazing, I'm so surprised you don't like them! I'm not a photographer, but if these were on my camera I'd have been delighted, lol.

I'm visiting today from Thursday's Favorite Things. :)

Anonymous said...

Beautiful... the soft colouring of both bees and abstract, and the beautiful bokeh of the first bee shot, they bowl me over. I look forward to seeing more of either!

Southern Gal said...

As long as you give me fair warning before posting spider photos, then I'm fine with the insects! ;) Love the one of the bee in flight. Amazing.

Jeanne said...

Kim this photo of the bee in flight with the little pollen sac showing just blew me away! I have to say I also was very interested in how this occurs as I have never thought of what the bees do with their pollen after they got it. So fascinating, and have to say one more time that this next to last photo is wonderful! Can't wait to see more of these shots. Were you using a 50 mm? Love it!!!!

Sherri B. said...

What beautiful photos...I did not know this about bees and storing pollen on their legs. You have definitely peaked my interest and I really want to know more, so get going, lady! lol :D

I was bee-dazzled by your post and your photo art processing. *cheesy, I know*

Kerri Farley said...

Truly Gorgeous!

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

I too have a thing for insects and plant flowers and herbs that are pollinator friendly. I keep photographing bees and butterflies every year and am getting way too many. Time to sort through and save only the best I guess. Your capture of the bee in flight is awesome.

Linda Gibbons said...

I love this soft and beautiful abstract, and your bee photos are lovely as well.

Barbara said...

these scream Spring, love the one mid air and those wings.

Kmcblackburn said...

EVERY time I look at your photos I think that I REALLY need to move "get a macro lens" up to the top of my priority list!

kathyinozarks said...

I loved everything-your art photo is so lovely too

Brenda said...

Yes, I'm not much of an insect person but you made me look and read and learn and enjoy - mission accomplished.

Your abstract creation is quite incredible - love the hint of a flower shape and all those glorious textures. I so appreciate the introduction to Bonnie's textures - the rock my world.

Nicki said...

You are the bee-whisper. Amazing shots.

Kim Cunningham said...

You do an amazing job capturing bees. I never knew about the blob! Really a neat bit of knowledge. I love seeing your passion for nature via photographs!

Linda said...

I love the bee shots Kim! I love photographing them too! They are fast little things! I always notice their pollen saks! It is amazing how huge those things can get! And they can still fly carrying those saddlebags!
This is just the dose of inspiration I need! Now if it would quit raining!

xo,
Linda

Comfypjs said...

You are a fantastic photographer and you sure know a lot about insects, lizards and etc.
I was reminded of The Bee Movie while reading this. LOL!

My Garden Diaries said...

I love bees! They do so much for the garden and I think your photos capture their beauty! If only everyone would slow down a bit to take in their magic! Excellent photos Kim...I know you said the photo of the bee disappearing into the flower was not exactly your favorite but I think there is something really sweet about that shot! Have a great weekend!!!

Unknown said...

I love these shots. Bring on the Bee photos and more trivia. I'm ready..

Hugs~

Linda/patchwork said...

You got some really good bee shots.
They are hard to catch. Truly, busy little bees.

Your abstract is good. Lovely, soft colors.

Anonymous said...

I do struggle with abstract photo art myself, and can't really find how to approach it and enjoy. I think you've done a great job with this one!

Linda Kittmer said...

BEEautifully done Kim. You've got some great shots and I learned some things I didn't know. I really like your abstract too. I think you're always your toughest critic! BEE nicer to yourself :o)

Miriam said...

Going for bee autiful too xx The photo of the bee with the pollen sack on it's leg is fabulous and I love your abstract.

Deanna said...

well, they look pretty darn bee-autiful to me. and thanks for you nature lessons, I learn so much from you!!

Inspired By June said...

Great captures, as usual, Kim! Love the bees and your abstract is just great!

Bonnie Zieman, M.Ed. said...

Your abstract should be printed on canvas and displayed proudly on a wall!

What gorgeous photographs ... as always, Kim.

Anonymous said...

Each time I drop in - I am always in aww - how in the world do you capture bees -- all I know that this is eye catching and excellent -- your Friday Photo Art is beautiful!!!
Hugs

Laurie said...

What beeutiful photos!! The colors are divine!!

Gardening in a Sandbox said...

I am amazed that you managed to get the bees in great focus. Beautiful. Valerie

Sharon said...

You have my admiration for these shots! I can never get a bee in focus or even sitting still. Your interest in bees serves you well. Nice captures!

Cathy H. said...

Amazing images of these quick little guys! I love how they're covered in golden pollen! The first one is my favorite. I love the bee in the white flowers!

Pride In Photos Beauty said...

I am laughing with you as you are saying, I am getting tired of chasing them! A few months ago, I was trying to capture something very similiar and saying the same thing. "Will you stay still!" My husband hears me, and says, I don't think they understand english☺ As always a beautiful job!

Andrea Dawn said...

It is so amazing how much pollen they can cram in their "baskets" isn't it! As ever, your work is so lovely and inspiring.

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Great photos! I got some fabulous shots of the bees in my moss roses last year. Lots of bee butts. So cute! Best wishes, Tammy

Viv@Thoughts from the Desktop said...

Fabulous shots Kim and I love your art...

Kathryn Dyche said...

You did great to get those shots, its hard when they are constantly moving. Love the abstract art too. :0)

Driftwood and Pumpkin said...

Stunning! I am normally not a lover of abstract photography but love what you have done here. Perhaps you have inspired me to try my own one day.

Ida said...

Wow! Your bee shots are just amazing and beautifil. Wonderful abstract piece too. I love the soft feel it has.

Currie Silver said...

an A+ A-may-zing BE-autimous BEE Buzzing Post!!

I learned and I enJOYed and I marvelled.

What more can I ask?!

xoxo

Serendipityissweet said...

These are fantastic! I have tried capturing bees and you are right, it is no easy task!

I love the buzz of insects in the spring too. The only one's I can't stand are the mosquitos!

Rosemary Aubut said...

Great photos Kim! Simply gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

These are amazing shots! Thanks for stopping by and commenting on my orchid. I love the word, "yummy!" Have a great day!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...