Bright Sunny Day

Last week I enjoyed an afternoon at a nearby Nursery where the

Bumble Bees were delighting in all the flowers in bloom. I have not

seen this many bees in the last few years. They were abundant and

their steady buzz was like a 'symphony' in my ears. There were a

few aspects about this capture that puzzled me. Things that

appeared as reflections, little colored rings on the Bee's legs. I was

sure I had done something wrong so I called Mike Palermiti and he

revealed information to me that I'd never known. Photography allows

me to have fascinating surprises nearly every day this summer!!!

(any visits or comments are always most welcome, ;-) Gail)

Love the larger view that shows such great detail.  An excellent photo, Gail. 

Hi Gail,

This is an excellent image. You have maximized your 100 mm macro lens by using it at F/2.8, and with the available light level, the use of 1/640 second allowed for a steady hand held shot at ISO 100. All good.

It is interesting to note the optical effects present in the legs (especially the far left leg) and across the eyes (upon close examination) of the small ring-like blur circles of light that are formed in the "out of focus" regions of the image.

This effect is due to both specular and diffuse reflections that happen when bright light hits very small details like the moisture on the bee. When the subject is "out of focus". these small regions reflect light back to form unusual patterns. The light first passes through the liquid  surface, some reflected from the outer sphere, while the light that is transmitted is reflected back upward as a diffuse reflection. It is the diffuse reflection that causes the small color changes that is seen upon close study. The better lens show these effects, as the details are defined in either the focused state or out of focus state. With lesser quality lens, these effects are NOT seen because there is no fine definition present. The same would be true upon excessive use of the f-stop, which compromises the best of lens.

You developed the flower in front of the bee well. The yellows are not over exposed, either. The background blur just compliments the environment  that this bee was imaged in.

A+ work.

Warmest Regards, Mike,

I do believe that Mike has referred to the rings you describe as "donuts" when pointing them out on some of his own images.  I wasn't even aware of these manifestations until I read about them in his narratives.

I really like the angle and the composition of this shot., it fills the frame in a very pleasing way and the detail at the focus point is perfect!

Compliments & Warm Regards

Alf

Thank you for your visit Bill and for your appreciation of this image. I know you also enjoy photographing bees and how tricky it can be when they move about so quickly!!

Warmest regards, Gail

It was good to hear your thoughts on this image on the phone re the little 'rings' I was seeing. My first impression was that I had done something wrong, or I questioned if I should have some kind of filter so that they didn't appear. Your explanation eased my mind, but it is so much better to read your detailed information as to why they do actually appear. This sure is another one to paste into my Journal. I do appreciate your eagerness to help and provide information that I would not otherwise have so quickly. It is also great to have someone who cheers me on when I set out to improve my skills. I don't think a teacher in a classroom would be able to give me this kind of support. If I could 'give the teacher an apple' I would!! But because of the distance you will have to settle for my SINCERE APPRECIATION. It also helps to read the conversations you have with other PN members under the images you post. So many times questions that are lurking in the back of my mind, or ones that I'd never think of asking are addressed in those Critique Replies. Thanks so much for your ongoing Support and Encouragement!!

With much appreciation, Gail

Yes, I suppose when you have worked with lenses and telescopes (re their design, applications etc.) there is a lot of investigation and study involved. Thankfully, we have someone who does know about these 'donuts' and other effects that can be seen in images, that we would have no idea re the 'why or how' they do occur. I guess it is true about any Profession, even yours. I imagine there are a multitude of questions I could ask about the work you do every day. The knowledge required to do your job efficiently, safely, and proactively is probably immense. Thankfully, most of us pick up our cameras for the enjoyment we receive. As situations arise where we do wish to improve, we have to do some studying and just get out there and practice. Fortunately I am enjoying that end of things. Many thanks Alf for dropping by, and offering your input. I always enjoy your visits!! (I think this is perhaps the first time you haven't named my 'insect'??? ;-) Gail

Hi Gail,

I read  Alf's comment to you and they are not correct. The "donuts" that Alf refers to are due to the mirror lens having a central obstruction ( a second smaller mirror) that casts a shadow in the center of a defocused "point source" , therefore the "donut" effect.

Your lens does not have anything in its center to cast a shadow, and therefore does not ever form a "donut effect". The donut" effect  requires a physical obstruction in the center of a lens system. These do not exist in a normal lens.

Your effect is due to the Physics of Light and how light reflections behave in an image. Little mirror -like clear or transparent sources are good starting points for specular reflections to happen. Once the light passes through the medium, it either becomes absorbed or it reflects back as a diffuse source of light. Think of the "diffuse reflection" like a rainbow, where various colors of the spectrum are dispersed through the atmosphere. Your "out of focus " rings are the result of a very small "localized atmospheric" effect that include the principles of "refraction" to the analysis.

Warmest Regards, Mike

I stand corrected : - )

I obviously don't know my donuts from my diffused reflections, no wonder I'm losing weight : - )

Oh Yes I forgot to mention "Bernard Fumble" the Bumble Bee

Best Regards

Alf

hmmmmmm Bernard Fumble;-) and excellent name for a 'Bumble Bee'...if he was an awkward fellow, he would be a fumbling Bumble Fumble!!! not to worry re the donuts, Mike and I had a talk about them and I began to understand better myself. I hadn't even thought about the fact that my lens does not have a 'mirror'. Cameras with and without Mirrors, etc. Technology that 'boggles' my little mind, yet I'm increasingly learning about it all. It would certainly be amazing if the first person who 'put a hole in a box' to make a camera, could be here  today and just see where that simple idea has gone ????

Cheers to you Alf, my favorite part of a donut is the 'hole', in Canada we have "Timbits', from a chain called 'Tim Horton's'. Coffee and donuts, delicious, and if you choose the 'holes', bit sized and in as many flavours and toppings as you could probably think of!!!!

Hi Gail/Alf,

You guys are having too  much fun....not really. Fun is what life is all about.

I never worked a day in my life, since it has been all fun for me.

All the best , Mike

Dear Gail, congratulations in this super sharp image, it certainly see you and keeps busy. I love the composition and colors, you did a wonderful job!!!!

Hugs from USA,

LuDa

P/D I love all the interaction here,Gail,  Alf, mike, it's good this kind of friendship.

Mike, as always, I learn so much from you, thanks for sharing all your knowledge with us.

Wow, what a set-up!  This monster really looks like he means business.  I love how you got him dead in the eyes, full front, as he eats.  Love the textures on this bee, the shine and the composition of yellow around him and green -- almost abstract in the middle and upper right. 

Stunning Capture Gail!!!!!!  AJ

Fantastic details and your pov works perfect!

Thank you vlad for your visit and support, always encouraging!!

Isn't it nice that we actually can have 'fun' as we learn???!!

;-) Gail

Thank you Donna!! As you have read, I was not sure I had a good image. I am glad the bees were so concentrated on getting Pollen that they pretty well left me alone!!! Thanks so much for those positive remarks.

So nice to hear from you Donna ;-) Gail

Thanks so much for your visit and input AJ, glad you like this one!

A beautiful result, very nicely composed too, Gail!

Gail, in one day your friends have already written a book about this photo. Later, with time, I will read it because I guess that it is very interesting.
About the photo, rings or not rings I think it is a beautiful macro. The eyes are transparent, details and blur are in the right places all over the image. 'Bravissima' as usual.
Take care.

Hi Gail,

  Beautiful image with wonderful colors & details.  Take care, Patsy

excellent shot

Sincere thanks to you both for taking the time to visit this image and share your thoughts, so happy to hear you enjoyed it.

Warmest regards, Gail

I do enjoy your visits and they always make me smile. Sincere thanks for those warm remarks, so glad you enjoyed this image. I look forward to seeing your newest flowers Giuseppe!!!