Honey Bee Fest

My good friend Helen of plate-spinning-mama kindly invited me to photograph her bees.  In trying to decide on a portfolio theme, I have been trying hard to photograph as many different things as possible.  As much for experience, as well as, trying to find the 'type' of photography I like.

After much searching through the diaries, today was very firmly written in.  Relying heavily on the weather to enable the shoot to go ahead - luckily the girls were definitely coming out to play..... the weather was amazing!

Now, I will openly confess - it was with great excitement that I undertook this 'photo shoot' but also with little apprehension. Never have I been near a bee hive - let alone stuck my head in one - with a camera and macro lens!!!   Only at one point did I have to take a deep breath and step back - when the main hive was opened - not for the number of bees that started dancing around, when they saw the camera (!!) but because of the noise - so incredibly loud - it took me by surprise.  However, I would not hesitate to do again - I just need to arrange my diary to fit in a couple of days in the Apiary.

Anyway, issues I found today that I need to work on, trouble with my aperture again - however - this problem has given me some good shot - so not massive problem. The bee suits are white so where I have tried to shot Helen and the bee frames the photo's are over exposed - need to under expose all of these shots next time.  And shutter speed for the bees on the flowers - now as the skatebaord photo shoot threw up shutter speed problems this is definitely something I really need to work hard on. Anyway for a first attempt of my head in a bee hive - I am very pleased with the results! Hope Helen likes them too!!

Here goes then....

Lots of smoke today please, I need to remain calm - oh it's for the bees!!

Disappointment within the first hive - not one but two dead queens - so very close to hatching.

One and only sting today - saved by the rubber glove.

Let me introduce you to one of the QUEENS

Pretty sure these two girls had had their hair and make up done for the shoot!

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Don't know why but I love this one!