Caught in the clutches of a bee

Image Critiques
1

Original - Lyndale-gardens-3,-7-6-26.jpg
Original - Lyndale-gardens-3,-7-6-26.jpg1498×2048 387 KB

Additional image 1
Additional image 11560×2048 525 KB

Critique Style: Standard

The photographer is looking for thoughtful feedback on the image as a whole, especially around the areas noted below.

Feedback Focus: Artistic + Technical

About This Image

I caught another life-and-death struggle today. I don’t have a morbid attraction to these gruesome scenes! I have just been doing a lot of macro recently, and when you take a lot of shots, you are bound to see interesting things.

Feedback Requested

Which image is most compelling for you? The one where the orange insect seems to be in the process of being crushed, or where it is still intact but about to be demolished? Are the blemishes and the photobombing tiny insect too distracting? I’d appreciate any other feedback on all aspects of the image!

Technical Details

Image 1
Camera: FUJIFILM X-T5
Focal length: 80mm
Shutter speed: 1/250s
Aperture: f/20
ISO: 400
Flash: Fired

Image 2
Camera: FUJIFILM X-T5
Focal length: 80mm
Shutter speed: 1/250s
Aperture: f/20
ISO: 400
Flash: Fired

Hand-held, Godox V1 flash + Cygnustech diffuser

Processed with DxO Photolab, Topaz sharpening, Nik Color Efex, and Photoshop

2

I prefer the lower image. Both bee and insect are more clearly separated from the BG, and there is better focus on the rear of the bee and on the lower flower. It’s very interesting to see this behavior. I’ve never heard of a bumblebee attacking another insect species. Did the orange guy fall away or otherwise escape? In that case. I’m guessing that he was in the way of the bee, as in “Buzz off and let me get into the flower!”. Did you see what happened after this?

3

Thanks, Mike :slight_smile: Bees are very hyperactive creatures, so all of this happened in an instant & I have no idea what was going on & what happened afterwards. It could be as you say, and maybe the insect was just getting in its way. In any case, it doesn’t look like a loving embrace to me!

4

Very nice capture. These guys don’t hold still for portraits. They are a challenge to get. Way to go.

5

I also prefer the second image, Canan, as the little insect is more visible. Excellent details in both the bee and the bug. Nicely done!

6

Thanks, Shirley :slight_smile:

1 Like
7

Thanks, Dave. Yes, they are very challenging to capture!

8

Canan: Put my vote in the #2 column as well. Since bees are not carnivorous this has to be an accidental encounter with the “prey” getting in the way. Pretty terrific captures both. >=))>

9

Thanks, Bill. Maybe I should title this “Hey, get out of my way!” :rofl: