Did you perhaps mean sneezeweed? In Texas that’s the vernacular name for some wildflowers of this type, although common names do vary a lot from place to place.
Many macro lenses let you get in very close to a subject at the near end while still allowing you to focus out to infinity at the other end of the focal range. My 100mm Canon macro lens works that way, so I can use it as a portrait lens for people or even as a landscape lens if I choose to, though I most often focus it very close to my (small) subjects.
I am enjoying the camera, though success rate with this macro lens is 50/50 so far. But when I get it right it is really exciting. And these Helenium flowers are so vibrant, I love them even without the bee 🙂
Earth laughs in flowers 
Wow! What a beauty. Your macro has paid for itself in my pleasure. That bee is reality.
My favourite so far. I also love the vibrancy of these Heleniums (sneezeweed) at this time of year, they are so cheerful.
Did you perhaps mean sneezeweed? In Texas that’s the vernacular name for some wildflowers of this type, although common names do vary a lot from place to place.
I did! I have altered it. No idea where some of these words come from – my brain and my fingers often work independently with disastrous results
I make plenty of mistakes when I’m typing, too. The mind often gets ahead of the fingers.
Such a beautiful capture!
Wow, what a stunningly beautiful photograph. Jude, your macro skills are amazing.
I was lucky on this day, it was quite still, whereas yesterday in a breeze my attempts were not so sharp. Thanks for your encouragement 🙂
Excellent! How close were you to the bee?
About 0.5m I think. Close enough!
Definitely close enough! I didn’t know macro lenses “worked” that far away from the subject. So much to learn!
Me too!
We all have our better days and our worse ones.
Many macro lenses let you get in very close to a subject at the near end while still allowing you to focus out to infinity at the other end of the focal range. My 100mm Canon macro lens works that way, so I can use it as a portrait lens for people or even as a landscape lens if I choose to, though I most often focus it very close to my (small) subjects.
Mine is 60mm and can also be used as a portrait lens, though I prefer to use it for close up work. Not very successful today though.
Worth every penny for camera! Such rich colors and detail.
I am enjoying the camera, though success rate with this macro lens is 50/50 so far. But when I get it right it is really exciting. And these Helenium flowers are so vibrant, I love them even without the bee 🙂
They are gorgeous!
I took a flower photo yesterday and a bee flew in at just the right time. I think. I haven’t checked the photo!
Here’s hoping xx
PS did you see reports of new arena of stones discovered near Stonehenge? Fascinating!
I caught something about a new Henge on the lunch-time news, didn’t realise it was close to Stonehenge.
I was watching bees on Heleniums yesterday, sadly my photos didn’t turn out any good !
They are so fast it is difficult to get a clear shot, but the Heleniums are looking gorgeous right now. I had a lot of blurry shots too!
Your practice is certainly making perfect Jude. Beautifully sharp, I can see all the hairs on the bees knees…
I think this is still my best shot PP. Yes it is so interesting to study these insects close up – love the bees knees!
Terrible confession to make around gardening folk but I really don’t like bees much. 😦 Beautiful plant though 🙂
Oh, but they are so furry – you feel as though you could stroke him!
Not me! 😦
You’ve gotten good clarity in the details of this bee. Looks like you’re having fun with your macro lens.