damaged, but still air worthy: There is a misconception that, aerodynamically, bumblebees shouldn't be able to fly. The science behind its' obviously ability to do so can be read at...

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damaged, but still air worthy

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Jul 22, 2019 10:50:24 #

Dixie Native Loc: Leicester, NC

There is a misconception that, aerodynamically, bumblebees shouldn't be able to fly. The science behind its' obviously ability to do so can be read at this link: https://www.livescience.com/33075-how-bees-fly.html

While the insect produces small vortices with its' wing movements resulting in lift, I still wonder how this damaged bee is able to fly.

Handheld and in natural light of a Bumblebee (Bombus sp.) on Climbing Aster (Aster carolinianus).

Please click Download for a better view of the wings.

Thanks for viewing and all comments.

(Download)

Jul 22, 2019 10:54:15 #

joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois

Dixie Native wrote:

There is a misconception that, aerodynamically, bu... (show quote)

I don't recognize the damaged wing but the images are excellent. Well done.

Jul 22, 2019 11:01:08 #

vicksart Loc: Novato, CA -earthquake country

The shots are wonderful even if the wings aren't "perfect."

Jul 22, 2019 11:35:22 #

WB9DDF Loc: Knoxville, IL

I would guess that, just like a flag whipping in the wind, the wing tips occasionally exceed the speed of sound and get shredded.

Jul 22, 2019 11:35:38 #

BrentHarder Loc: Southern California

I agree with Vicki 100%.
These are wonderful photos!

Jul 22, 2019 12:24:09 #

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Beautiful images. Flying with tattered wings must require more energy.

Jul 22, 2019 15:01:39 #

SueScott Loc: Hammondsville, Ohio

Fantastic detail and sharpness - what did you use?

Jul 22, 2019 16:51:27 #

Dixie Native Loc: Leicester, NC

SueScott wrote:

Fantastic detail and sharpness - what did you use?

SueScott, thanks for the comment.

This was taken many years ago using a Sony DSC H5 bridge camera with a Sony VCL-DH1758 Tele Conversion Lens (1.7x) coupled with a Sony VCL-M3358 close-up lens. In fact, probably 95%+ of the photos I have posted and will post here was using this set-up or with a Sony DSC H1 and the aforementioned attachments. Because the camera only had a 1/2.3" 7mp sensor and a whopping 12x native zoom (lol) this set-up allowed me to get a fairly up close photo without spooking the subject. It also gave incredible bokeh. I usually cranked down on the aperture and used the lowest ISO possible. The photos came out dark, but with detail that could be adjusted in PP. Usual adjustments were for gamma, contrast and sharpening if needed.

I always use natural light because of the extreme contrast in light and shadows. To me it adds greater depth to a photo. Also, I like to do most of my work in early morning when the angle of incidence of the light provides a more dramatic effect. Please check out some of my other posts to see what I mean about the use of morning light.

Jul 22, 2019 17:47:56 #

SueScott Loc: Hammondsville, Ohio

Dixie Native wrote:

SueScott, thanks for the comment. br br This was ... (show quote)

WOW! I'm impressed!

Jul 23, 2019 06:15:57 #

docshark Loc: Millersville, PA

These are excellent shot Ken. Tack sharp. Many insects I've seen seem to make it by with less than perfect "equipment". I hope you don't mind if I add an example of one I shot on a survey down in Texas. No problem flying.
-Doc