I was recently offered the chance to photograph an Apiary.If you're like me, you're probably wondering, "what's an apiary?" Well, once I found out what an apiary was, I gladly accepted the photo assignment. (Hint: honey bees live in them)
After a short, and informative trip, I was immediately faced with a challenge: How do I take photos while wearing a full-body bee suit. The helmet is attached to the suit, and the gloves surely must have come from NASA's space closet. Oddly enough, once you're surrounded by bees, taking photos is the last thing you worry about.
Hives have multiple frames that bees use to store their honey in. At this apiary, the small frames are used by the beekeepers to extract honey, while the large frames remain in the hive for the bees to feed on. Apparently, bees like honey on their bagels too.
Check out the photos below for a glimpse into the secret life of bees.
Rocks, straps, and bricks are used to keep lids on the hives in case of strong winds.I think the actual name for the structures is a "Super". Like a super high-rise. I prefer "hive". (To me, a Super is, and always will be, an adjective)
Each hive has a "landing strip" that bees use to enter and exit the hive.
Your fearless photographer.
Removing a frame to check the health of the hive. Beekeepers make sure the hives have a queen, and that all the bees are healthy.
If you look inside the little honeycomb holes, you can see little bee eggs.
Do you see what I see? Yep, that's honey!
A "landing strip" full of worker bees. Worker bees direct other bees to food by doing a dance based on the sun's position. It's complicated but fascinating.
A close-up of bees entering/exiting the hive.
Bees climbing over the frames.
Bees just doing what bees do.
Holding a small frame. Everyone say, "cheese!"
Lots of bees. I believe these are Drones (male honey bees). There are only 3 types of honey bees: worker bees, drones, and the queen.
Beekeepers, Travis and Colton.
Until next time...
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