Three sleeping bees
I saw these three bees sleeping on the back of the same flower (shade from the sun?) and knew I had to get a photo of them. I over-exposed it so I could keep th...
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I saw these three bees sleeping on the back of the same flower (shade from the sun?) and knew I had to get a photo of them. I over-exposed it so I could keep the detail on the insects, as they were very dark, and ended up deciding to keep it high-key.
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Canon PowerShot G15
Aperture f/2.8 ISO 200 Shutter 1/100 Focal Length 5699/250 
Torphins, Aberdeenshire, GB
Sep, 2020Views
415
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Behind The Lens
Location
This photo was taken in my garden. I try to go out there as often as I can, and during the summer and autumn, bees were constantly attracted to our lavender bushes. These bees were buried deep in the lavender, so I couldn't move too close without disturbing/waking them.Time
Later in the evening and early in the morning, the bees would start to slow down, and eventually fall asleep. This photo was taken at 17:56 on the 16 September 2020.Lighting
As it was starting to get dark, I had to work quickly so I could take a photo of them without my tiny sensor making it too noisy. I used evaluative metering and a small amount of positive exposure compensation to brighten them enough to be clearly visible. This made a soft, high key image. It was a cloudy day, so there was lovely soft light all around.Equipment
This was taken using only a Canon PowerShot G15, on my then tripod (a super cheap Amazon one) so the slightly slower shutter speed (1/100) could keep it sharp.Inspiration
I am normally only able to take photos of the bees when they are stiller. There were three of these pink flowers and I had been waiting weeks for some to snooze on one of them. As I was about to head inside, I saw these and rushed to photograph them. The image on the back of the camera couldn't have made me happier.Editing
I always shoot in RAW so that I can pull out more detail from the highlights and shadows, particularly useful in this case since it was getting dark. I brightened highlights and shadows, increased contrast and did some noise reduction and sharpening. That's all.In my camera bag
When I'm going into the garden, I now take my camera (Canon PowerShot G15) Manfrotto Compact Light tripod, Manfrotto Lumimuse 3 and a remote release cable so I can take photos while the tripod column is inverted. At the time this photo was taken, I just used the camera and a basic tripod. For a walk I usually just take the camera and sometimes the tripod because it is so light and compact.Feedback
Whatever your kit, explore your photography and just take lots of photos whenever you can. It's always worth the time you spend on it.
