Bee in flight

[Melissa Usrey]

I went back to my local pond and took my rarely used macro lens with me just in case there was little else to shoot. I thought I would get some macro practice in because it's not my normal medium. There were hundreds of these tiny bees swarming around tiny weed-like plants near on the grass. I'm assuming they don't sting because I was sitting on the grass among them! Catching one in flight (vs. not on a flower sipping pollen) was a challenge, so I'm glad I was able to get this shot.

Canon 1 DX mk II
Canon 100 EF 2.8 macro lens
100mm
ISO 4000
1/6400 sec.
f/6.3
Handheld

The second photo I edited to remove more of the background noise. I hope you can see the difference!

[Jonathan Ashton]

A tricky shot to get I am absolutely sure! Parts of the bee are in better focus than others but pretty good. The NR is evident but it has also affected the bee - see the hairs at the front of the head. Certainly worth another go if you have the opportunity and I would suggest f8- f11.

[Melissa Usrey]

Thank you Jonathan! I will try again with a smaller aperture if the light allows. There are hundreds of these little guys, so I might have a chance.

[Matt Sutherland]

Fantastic! I'd bee delighted to get that kind of shot. That's an achievement!

[John Mack]

These type of shots are very hard to do. I agree with Jonathan's critique still keep on trying.

[Melissa Usrey]

Thanks Matt! It's my first bee!

[Melissa Usrey]

John, I do want to try now with a smaller aperture to see what I can get. Once the birds come back to all of my favorite places in California, I'll put the macro lens away.

[Melissa Usrey]

Jonathan, I also want to know if there is any way to freeze the wings without using a flash. As you can see, they are in total blur. I was already shooting at 1/6400 sec.