This past spring I went on quite the bee adventure with my friends Nels and Walker, whom are amateur bee keepers and manage their own honey production on farmland in Yuba. Our mission was to create some images for Nels' article in the Summer 2009 edition of Edible Grand Traverse. How I wish someone would have followed us with a video camera because I think we, not the bees, were focus of the evening. And, had we uploaded our bee adventure on YouTube it would have gone viral, for sure!
Why such a comedy? Well, Nels and Walker are crazy enough to go after swarms of bees in their spare time. On this particular evening they went after a swarm on a tree limb in their barely protected bodies as I stood by with no protection (thanks guys) and documented. Unfortunately, most of the swarm photos I took are garbage due to the lighting but let me tell you it sure was interesting and it ended with several choice words and stings on the amateur bee keepers' bodies!
We then proceeded on to their hives, which are in wooden boxes. Smoke is used to help sedate the bees and make them less angry when they are disturbed by humans. Not certain how well it works because I think there may have been a few more stings involved. I win the prize for not being stung. If it makes you feel better, Nels and Walker, I was mowing my parents' lawn last week and was stung good on my heel and I thought of both of you!
Of course, when the light was at its evening best, the bees were most agitated, probably because it was their bedtime. It reminded me of a family photo session with young children during July in Northern Michigan. Sigh, such is life!
Why such a comedy? Well, Nels and Walker are crazy enough to go after swarms of bees in their spare time. On this particular evening they went after a swarm on a tree limb in their barely protected bodies as I stood by with no protection (thanks guys) and documented. Unfortunately, most of the swarm photos I took are garbage due to the lighting but let me tell you it sure was interesting and it ended with several choice words and stings on the amateur bee keepers' bodies!
We then proceeded on to their hives, which are in wooden boxes. Smoke is used to help sedate the bees and make them less angry when they are disturbed by humans. Not certain how well it works because I think there may have been a few more stings involved. I win the prize for not being stung. If it makes you feel better, Nels and Walker, I was mowing my parents' lawn last week and was stung good on my heel and I thought of both of you!
Of course, when the light was at its evening best, the bees were most agitated, probably because it was their bedtime. It reminded me of a family photo session with young children during July in Northern Michigan. Sigh, such is life!
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Comments
They are all awesome shots!! Love the one of Nells smoking the bees..the light through the hole in the board is great!!
The extreme close up of the bee is perfect..(I'm jealous!) His head is crystal clear.
It was really fun getting to talk with you tonight. Thank you!!
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