I took this photograph of a bee collecting pollen on a brief visit to a National Trust property called Emmets Garden. Having recently published an image of a flower taken in poor lighting conditions, I wanted to see what I could do on a sunny day.
While the kids were at school, I headed off to Emmets Garden which, as the name suggests, is full of flowers. I took a number of images of colourful plants, some of which I will no doubt use on Instagram and on the blog in the near future.
When I found myself stood next to a bush teeming with bees, well, I just had to try and see if I could a decent image. Bees aren’t the most accommodating of photographic subjects. They move very quickly and no matter how many times you politely ask them to “smize” they simply won’t do it.
As much as I wish I could tell you this image was loving shot after repeated attempts experimenting in manual mode, nothing could be further from the truth. It was a case of putting the camera in sports mode, pointing it at the bee and hoping I got a decent shot.
This picture was shot with a basic Canon 100 DSLR camera and a standard 18-55mm lens. As a result, I didn’t expect it to capture this level of detail, especially in sports mode.
Not only can you see the veins in the wings but also the hairs on the legs. Look closely and you will see some pollen on one of the legs too.
I will be linking this image up to the #MySundayPhoto linky. This is a blog linky that enables budding photographers to showcase their work so it’s well worth a visit if that’s your thing. Simply click on the badge below to pay the linky a visit.
25 thoughts on “Point, shoot and hope for the best”
Hi John, I’ve had the same problem with bumblebees too, they are so difficult to work with. I think it’s down to the fact they look good and they know it! Great detail though! The detail of the hair does make me want to reach out and stroke the furry bundle.
xx
The bee was very big, possibly not big enough to stroke though Debbie! Glad you like the image.
Great detail John and the colours are very vivid. Great shot #mysundayphoto
Colours are vivid aren’t they Nigel? Confess I bought them up a bit in the editing process but it worked I think.
Amazing level of detail, John. Whatever you did it worked brilliantly! One of your best photos, I’d say. #MySundayPhoto
Thanks ever so much Tara! High praise indeed. I didn’t do much other than point the camera in the right direction!
What a great photo. That really is amazing detail.
I think that’s the same camera I’ve got! I used to love it, but I have to say it’s retired now because it’s so much easier to use my phone. The sport mode had stopped working too, which was frustrating.
Oh no, you need sport mode for this kind of image. That said, phones have come on such a lot.
What a fabulous photo, love how detailed it is. Popping over from #MySundayPhoto
Thanks for visiting and delighted that you enjoyed my photo. Do pop back again!
I find photographing bees to be so tricky and am blown away with the detail in this capture; just beautiful! #MySundayPhoto
Thank you Jade. it’s not easy but I somehow pulled it off this time.
Such fantastic detail. They move so quickly that point and shoot and hope for the best is my technique too ????
Oh they move very quickly indeed. A bit like butterflies. This was 95% down to luck I think.
what a brilliant close up picture with so much detail. Glad you managed some me time #MySundayPhoto
It was a brief session of me time, but me time it was! Glad you enjoyed the photo.
She is a beauty going about her business.
She certainly is. The bees in that garden were also massive.
Brilliant capture John, I love the detail in this.
Good to see you today.
Have a good Sunday and thank you for linking up to #MySundayPhoto
Was great to meet up and thanks for takign this pics. thanks also for hosting #MySundayPhoto
Sometimes pointing, shooting and hoping for the best is the way to go! #MySundayPhoto
Indee dit is and I’m glad this time it worked out.
This is awesome! Bees are absolutely fascinating creatures! We’ve just released a brand New Bee range in our online shop. We’re donating to Friends of The Earth for every product we sell and we are getting our very own Hive of bees over the next few weeks! We’re really excited about it. This picture is absolutely brilliant, you have a really good eye for this sort of thing. I on the other hand would take probably a million years to get even a half decent shot!
Absolutely wonderful!
Thanks Sophie, I shall take at ok at your shop. You can’t underestimate the world’s need for bees!
What a delightful capture.. You have to be so patient to get a shot like this. #MYSUNDAYPHOTO