Project Athena - Day 24 (Bugs)

The Beetle We All Love

“I love the ladybugs.”

— Me

Why do I feel so much joy when I see a lady bug? Somehow, I have come to believe that the ladybug brings good fortune and I know from experience that they are a good insect to have around in the garden. Their color and shape is so appealing that I completely forget they are a beetle. I will actually pick them up ever so gently with my fingers, let them land and crawl on me and then feel somehow fortunate when they do. I talk to them in a sweet voice and even transport them to safety if they are in the path of danger. I can't say I do this for any other beetle. Is that discrimination?

View fullsize

Ladybug

Nikon D3200 • Nikon 18-55mm lens • 36 mm • F/5 • 1/640s • ISO 200 • +4 Macro Filter

Project Athena - Day 23 (Bugs)

Wishing I could have been a fly on the wall during the discussion of the Supreme Court Justices prior to their new rulings today...

“Where there are humans,
You’ll find flies,
And Buddhas.”

— Kobayashi Issa

Shifting my focus from macro to micro this week is taking some practice and is well worth the energy. It is really fascinating to examine the details of an insect once it is photographed. They are all unique little creatures with their distinct textures, extraordinary colors, big, big eyes, translucent body parts, and unusual behaviors. I have even discovered additional insects in a photo that I did not see while shooting. Makes me wonder how often I miss things in life cause I am focused on my story....

View fullsize

Fly on a Leaf

Nikon D3200 • Nikon 55-200mm lens • 200mm • F/5.6• 1/640s • ISO 200

Project Athena - Day 22 (Bugs)

The Bee's Knees

“Bees do have a smell, you know, and if they don’t they should, for their feet are dusted with spices from a million flowers.”

— Ray Bradbury, Dandelion Wine

Today begins the theme of insects and I am including spiders as well...so I'll call it "bugs".

My first day out shooting was both wondrous and challenging since bugs hang out in gorgeous, colorful, fragrant settings but they don't really like to pose for their picture to be taken. They are very busy doing bug things.

I have visions in my head of the pictures that I would love to bring into reality. Time to get creative, stretch my imagination and "make" them happen.

Smiling at all the bugs in the world, except mosquitoes.

Bee on a Flower

Nikon D3200 • Nikon 18-55mm lens • 42mm • F/5.6• 1/640s • ISO 100