The one that flew away

[Lostkat]

I was wandering around the garden, camera in hand after work today. Had the 100mm macro and a 36mm extension tube on because I'd been unsucessfully trying to photograph ants. Anyway, I walked past a bush and heard a buzzing. Focussed on this big fella and took the snap. Had a look at the preview and felt quite pleased with myself - I've never managed to take a really nice bumble bee shot.

However, upon loading it into Rawshooter I discovered that stupid head had accidentally knocked the aperture down to F4.5 and managed to focus perfectly on the bee's abdomen instead of its head This is literally a full frame shot too. The detail is stunning - you can see all the tiny grains of pollen stuck to his legs. His head just isn't in focus Wish they'd stay still longer so you could make sure your aperture was set correctly.

Damn it, damn me and damn the blasted bee!!

Here are some others taken today too. Still trying to get the perfect ant shot. They're just too quick for me.

I'm so pleased with this shot:

Pond skater:

I just can't resist photographing garden spiders. They're so beautifully patterned.

 

[Lostkat]

Yes it's pollen, as are all the dusty particles that he's covered in. Bees have sticky pads on their legs which collect pollen whilst the bee is feeding on the nectar of the flower. They are responsible for pollinating all these plant. It's an amazing tale of co-evolution. Flowers feed the bees, and beens pollinate the flowers

 

[Lostkat]

I knew the smaller stuff was pollen, that just seemed like a darn big clump of it to me

Nice.

You've never seen a bee close up? Have a look next time you're near one. Most of them have the big yellow lumps on their legs where the pollen has collected

Indeed.

If you want to see bees come to my parents house - they have 4 beehives in the back garden. They even sell honey from the front door.

I think I remember you saying before. If I were you, I'd be camped as close as safely possible to the hives to try and get some pics. Bees fascinate me!

Those certainly are impressive!

What's the exact model of that lens? Would be interested in getting one of those myself if that's the detail that they're capable of!

Thanks very much. Lens used was the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM.
Please note that I also used a 36mm extension tube to get these images. It is an incredible lens in its own right though