It’s been a very good summer for sunflowers. I decided to take photos of the ones that are currently blooming in my garden.
Goldfinches have been dining on the flowers, but I don’t mind. I like how sunflowers are both beautiful and useful. I thought that a full-face image of one that had been pecked at would be interesting.
After I downloaded it on my computer I noticed something. The birds aren’t the only ones feasting. I zoomed in.
Photography can separate you from the world. Holding a camera in front of your face becomes an excuse not to interact with those around you. Looking through the view finder can reduce your vision to a small rectangle. I’ve never understood parents who watch their children’s every move from behind a camera because the act of recording sets you apart. But, there’s a flip side to photography. It can help you to see the details. The very act of looking for something to photograph makes you more aware – of pattern, color, beauty – and sometimes of that tiny camouflaged insect dining away on a sunflower.
I made a similar discovery when photographing my lupines – a pretty, healthy, round, bumble bee! Don’t you just lover nature.
I made a similar discovery when photographing my lupines – a happy, healthy, round bumblebee enjoying the nectar. Don’t you just love nature!
Do I see a little horn at the end of the abdomen? It could be a member of the Sphingidae family, lovely big creatures. (Yes, I do remember they ate your tomatoes last year.)
I always use photography for identifying butterflies, moths, dragonflies and damselflies. It’s so much easier than identifying them in the field.