Previous images were predominantly beekeepers at home, suit-less and no hives in sight, but now I want to create a series of images of subjects at the hives working on them. With only 4 weeks left of term, this set of images are vital to being the series together, and I’m feeling a bit anxious to be honest with what looks like a lot of image making left to do. I’m confident it will all come together though!
Anyway, hobbyist Kevin, who I’ve spent time with previously at his home, was kind enough to show me some of his hives on the weekend and I was a bit rusty to be honest! It had been at least 4 weeks since I last captured a beekeeper, and it took a while to get my head back in the game. I shot one roll of 120 Portra 400 and 80% were under exposed for my liking. Fortunately the 2 images that were keepers were exposed well, but I must get a dedicated light meter, as using an app is so hit and miss (you’ve heard this many times before!).
I also shot a roll of 35mm Portra 160 and yet to develop it, and what I’m hoping for with the 35mm camera, are some close ups of the trays and colonies etc, to accompany the more staged images. I’m using a Canon 620 body from the 1980’s and modern EOS lenses, and in particular the 70- 200mm 2.8. I may also borrow a macro lens from school for some super close ups. On reflection of 120 hive images caught this weekend that do a great job of sharing work on the hives, I might not even include any 35mm images. Let’s see.
My biggest gripe currently though is the time of day that these next series of images have to be captured- during the middle of the day. Hives are not opened below 10 degrees as the cold is bad for the colonies, hence midday workings. Unfortunately this means that it is the harshest light of the day and I’m pretty obsessive about shooting in the best, even lighting conditions. Yesterday for example was mixed harsh light due to the tree cover- and after 2 rolls- I literally got a 5 minute window at the end where the burning sun went behind some clouds that provided the light I was after. Saying that, overall the collection is good. Maybe this light actually adds something to the set as a whole? Maybe I’m being too much of a perfectionist? Maybe I don’t like change? Maybe I’m being averse to the extra work involved managing difficult light? Regardless it sure does add another layer of fucks to the process. HAHA.. breathe.
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