Bags Packed and Buzzing Off: A Garden Encounter

This week’s photographic muse didn’t require a grand trek into the wilderness or a 4 a.m. sunrise mission. No, this gem was waiting just outside my door, basking in the sunshine—a vibrant poppy dressed in its finest scarlet, playing host to one particularly industrious bumble bee.

Whenever I’m in the garden I’ve always got a camera to hand. I’ve learned the hard way that insects don’t wait for you to dash inside!

I’d been watching Mr Bumble coming back and forth the poppy for a few minutes before moving closer.  The timing was perfect. Just as I leaned in, camera at the ready, our striped friend was taking off—saddlebags stuffed with golden pollen like he’d just raided nature’s own Waitrose. His tiny legs swung with purpose, wings blurring into a hum only summer understands.

What I love most about this image is the contrast: the fragile, paper-thin petals cradling such a robust little worker. It’s a visual reminder that extraordinary moments don’t always need grand backdrops. Sometimes, “the shot” is just one curious bee away—in your own garden, no passport required.

The Poppy and TheBee

So here’s to poppies, pollen, and perfectly timed visits. Nature really knows how to show off, doesn’t she? You know those fleeting moments—the kind where Mother Nature pulls out a showstopper just long enough to tease your shutter finger? This week, I was lucky enough to catch one.

Nature photography isn’t usually my go-to genre—I tend to let others chase butterflies and beautiful Damoiselle damsel flies—but this moment felt special. A reminder that you don’t always need to trek miles to capture something beautiful. Sometimes, “the shot” is right there in your own garden, sipping sunlight and buzzing off before you’ve even had your tea.

Tip of the Week: Be Ready for the BuzzInsects wait for no one! If you’re hoping to photograph bees, butterflies or any of nature’s smaller speedsters, keep your camera close and your reflexes closer. These fleeting garden visitors rarely pose for portraits, so being prepared can make all the difference. Bonus points for using burst mode—it’s like hedging your bets, one frame at a time.