A-PeeR Loc: Houston, Texas

I was at a retention pond that holds rain runoff until the water can drain into the bayou. As I was making a circuit around the bank path I noticed a glint on a Tall Goldenrod (Solidago sp.). A closer look-see showed a honey bee that spent the night out. I could see the dew glistening on the wings and initially thought it would be a good stacking candidate. Raising my camera to the bee revealed a face that was badly distorted. At first I fought it was burned by a chemical or insecticide. Closer observation through the macro lens showed the face was smeared with grime and dew drops. I got out my field stool, propped my elbows on my knees and watched through the viewfinder as the bee awoke. It started preening itself. It used it’s legs to wipe the grime and water off it’s face. The bristles on it’s legs served as a comb to clean and straighten it’s hair. I was reminded of bath night as a young boy and combing my bangs straight down. This picture is about 40 minutes into the process. I don’t think it was real happy with me taking picture of it’s bad hair day and expressed it’s displeasure by sticking out it’s tongue ;-) The preening and drying out went on for another 30 minutes or so before it finally flew off.

Shot specs: MP-E 65 @ ~2.5:1 / f11 / SS125 / ISO125 / MT-24EX Flash w/DiY triangular diffuser.

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dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho

WOW!!! Incredible photo.
May I ask why the backs of his eyes are hairy. Does he see through that part? I am assuming he does.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

Cool story! I like this almost much as seeing the results. I once watched a Snakefly run his antennae through his front legs repeatedly for thirty minutes. I love watching critters being critters. Unfortunately, I don't have an insect rich environment as those do in Texas, Florida & California.

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Very credible photograph!

A-PeeR Loc: Houston, Texas

Thank you Dennis. I have read that the hairs aid in navigation. They are used to detect wind direction, like mini wind socks. The hairs grow between the facets - which the bee sees through.

A-PeeR Loc: Houston, Texas

Thank you Allen. I too like observing insects through the lens. It's like have a high quality field microscope. Come on down to Texas and we'll go looking for some critters... ;-)

A-PeeR Loc: Houston, Texas

Thank you Douglass...

Albuqshutterbug Loc: Albuquerque NM

Ok for me it reminded me of when my older brother came home from a date and commented on the girl giving him the hairy eyeball. He would have loved this shot and it makes me chuckle. Great photo and excellent detail. I hope to be at this level eventually.
:thumbup: :thumbup:

Macronaut Loc: Redondo Beach,Ca.

Really nice shot William. I've missed your presence and images. Glad your back :) :thumbup:

waltchilds Loc: Central Florida

Love the story behind the shot and the shot is really sharp. I can almost see you sitting on your stool working on this image.

EnglishBrenda Loc: Kent, England

I can only reiterate what the others have said. Your patience is certainly a useful virtue in getting detailed and accurate shots - and with a story to boot.

LoneRangeFinder Loc: Left field

I'd love to. Gotta plan a "macro trip".

orionmystery Loc: Malaysia

Great shot of this bee. Very nice light and DOF.

tinusbum Loc: east texas

back in action,very nice!

A-PeeR Loc: Houston, Texas

Thank you for the comments. Stick around the forum, read and learn from those who good macro photographers, practice the craft and you will surpass this level.