I didn't want to get too close...

[yureigal]

I don't like bees... though a bumble bee is supposed to be harmless.. and it was just sitting there... I still didn't want to get too close.



I took this with my Canon Powershot S3 1S today at the kite festival.

[subrataofkris]

Nice try! The whole flower (with all petals) in the frame, would have been better. Since the bee is the main character, and you are using a point and shoot, you needed to get closer. If you look at the picture, the trees and poles distract the attention, so next time try to eliminate them and stick to the main subject.

Cheers

[jiminyClickit]

yureigal,

If you'll train yourself to always move slowly around the bees, you'll not get stung. I've had them land on me, no stinging. Macro for my camera involves being about four inches away, so I also avoid any grooming products with scents resembling flower fragrances. I usually shoot down on a bee in a flower, so if it changes direction quickly, you can shift a little to keep the head in front. A little negative exposure compensation will keep your whites from disappearing, too.

[clockdoc]

Good advice provided by Jiminy and Subtrata. Depending on your lens/camera, you can also shoot in the macro mode from the telephoto focal length which will allow a longer working distance. For example on my Sony F707, at full telephoto, in macro mode, I can shoot from a little over 3 feet away. I may have to crop some to get the desired composition but it is an option when the bees are buzzing.

[yureigal]

Thanks for all the advice, everyone. I'll try to get closer next time... maybe get a telephoto for the camera so I won't have to get too close. I don't like bugs... but it seemed like a good shot to try to take.

Should I have just cropped the pic so it gets rid of the tree and the pole?