I have an opportunity to photograph and video active bee hives in an apiary with my macro lens (donning protective gear with an experienced beekeeper).
Any advice or suggestions for getting interesting images or videos? Tripod or no tripod?
I am considering some long exposure shots with an ND10 filter + tripod (ND10 maybe too dark depending on ambient light) focused on the queen and creating a blue with the worker drones. Has anyone tried this?
Thanks!
Charles
No, I’ve never done this, but I"m envious and excited for what you do. A blur of worker girls around their queen would be cool if the lighting works. There also might be some isolating opportunities if the beekeeper uses smoke to calm them. The only time I’ve filmed a bee was when one overnighted a couple days on a flower in my garden. Mostly I had the camera on a tripod since she didn’t move far and I used an LED panel to light her sometimes. I had a few sessions with her and came up with this short video -
Good luck. This sounds like a lot of fun.
Great video. I like the idea of using my LED light panel. I will post photos and videos.
This may go without saying, and I suggest you spend time with the bees before taking out your camera. Just enjoy the experience, which is quite remarkable, and get the “lay of the land.” I like the idea of photographing the queen and the workers blurring around. Long ago I had fun with a thermal image ( healthy bee hives are warm!) and found one of the most intriguing images was warm bees exiting the hive and cooler ones coming in with pollen and nectar. I look forward to seeing some of what you come up with and enjoy!
Your advice is excellent and on point. I would have immediately showed up with the camera, tripod, and light:)
I will break the experience into two sessions. I do photography work for the historical society – the apiary is part of their property. (Goshen Farm Photography Society) I am in the process of creating an updated photographic and video portfolio for their use on social media, including documenting the restoration of the historic farm house.
This is also the primary location for my macro work.