Communing with the Bees: Beginner Macrophotography

Join us for a workshop on an introduction to bee photography, on Wednesday, July 22nd from 2-3:30 pm, hosted by the Native Bee Society of BC. Get the unique experience of learning through storytelling as three amateur photographers share some strategies and techniques that have (and haven’t) worked for them on their journeys as self-taught macrophotography enthusiasts. Three sets of personal perspectives on communing with the bees will be followed by an open question period with the speakers.

PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED!

Registration fee: $5, FREE for Native Bee Society of BC members

ATTENTION MEMBERS WHO REGISTERED AT THE NOVEMBER AGM: To login and unlock the 100% discount, you will need to set a password for your account by clicking "Forgot password?" under Login and entering the email you registered with.

Your teachers:

Sean McCann is a biologist and amateur photographer living and working in Wolfeville, Nova Scotia. His exceptional macro photographs illuminate the subtle beauty of the insect world. Sean wrote his doctoral thesis on Red-throated Caracara foraging biology, has studied social wasp defensive behavior and worked on mosquito reproductive ecology. Currently he’s working at Acadia University and studying spiders with his partner Catherine Scott on the beaches of Nova Scotia. Sean will share his personal tips and tricks for macrophotography, with an emphasis on being inventive and resourceful without spending tons of money on equipment.

Sarah Johnson is another biologist masquerading as a photographer based in Burnaby, British Columbia. She is the current president of the NBSBC, as well as a PhD student at Simon Fraser University, studying bumble bee landscape ecology and conservation in fire-mediated ecosystems. Sarah has been photographing wildlife for just over six years with second-hand equipment and no formal training, and so will share some of the tricks she has learned to circumvent some of the more confusing aspects of photography theory. She will also touch on a fun “hack” to help sllloooowww down your photography subject for the perfect shot, and where to submit your photos to help support community science initiatives.

Lori Weidenhammer is an artist, author and educator who has photographed bees for several years. She will share tips on channeling your inner bee whisperer to get up close and personal with pollinators. She’ll talk about setting intentions and focusing your body and brain along with your camera. Learn about the parts of bee anatomy that you need to document in order to try to identify a bee or have someone else ID the bee. Lori will also talk about etiquette on the bee safari trail—the code of congeniality that will help you have a satisfying day in the meadows, bogs, and forest trails.