Day Twenty: Bees

Bees are interesting insects.  I think my primary interest in them is the strong reaction they elicit in people that encounter a bee.  I think this is best summarized in this The Oatmeal cartoon, which is always excellent (some adult language).  Now, I find this ridiculous because no self-respecting bee is going to go out of its way to hurt you, especially a honey bee which will die immediately afterwards.  I can't pass too much judgement though, because I know that every spider is only one moment of non-vigilance away from leaping at my face and poisoning me to death, especially ones on the opposite side of the room on the far wall.

Regardless, today I saw a bee when walking into lab, and fortunately I was looking for one and so had my camera ready to take some shots.  The bee was an excellent model, continuing it's pollen harvest (you can see it in the photos) while I obtrusively stuck my camera 2 inches from it's face.  I was fairly pleased with the results, and hope you will be too!

Sony Alpha 77, 50 mm (w/ 69mm extension tube), ISO 6400, f/8.0, 1/80

Sony Alpha 77, 50 mm (w/ 69mm extension tube), ISO 6400, f/10, 1/50

Sony Alpha 77, 50 mm (w/ 69mm extension tube), ISO 6400, f/10, 1/50

Sony Alpha 77, 50 mm (w/ 69mm extension tube), ISO 6400, f/10, 1/50