PHOTOGRAPH INFO

I was walking around the Thaler dairy farm last week and sat inside the cab of an old Dodge Adventurer pick-up truck that was once used to spray crops. The truck isn't running anymore, but I was happy to see that a family of paper wasps found it useful during the summer. I was also glad it was a cold day in January when I found their nests. :)

Paper wasps are beneficial to agriculture because they feed on corn earworms, armyworms and tobacco hornworms. They get a bum rap because of their painful stings. If a nest isn't a hazard to people, it's best to let Mother Nature kill the annual colony with freezing temperatures. Stinging workers don't survive the winter, and the same nest isn't reused the following year.

The abandoned nests are beautifully complex and fascinating to study. They're great for show-and-tell, elements in flower arrangements or home decor, and they make intriguing Christmas ornaments on a naturally-decorated tree.

Camera settings and post-processing: Shot with the Canon EOS 5D and the Canon EF 50mm f/1.4 lens at f/5.6, 1/1000s, ISO 400. Curves adjustments and color balancing.

Thank you for visiting Durham Township!

--Kathleen

Great subject.

I don't mind wasps and bees. I now they are very important. I just wish they would pick better places for their nests sometimes. I've had a few rather unfortunate encounters when I've come across a nest or two in a some most unfortunate (for me) locations.

I love the concept, colors and the exposure... but... it's kinda' boring. Perhaps the shadows are too dark? I think I'd also like to see everything in focus. I realize the depth of field was intended to focus on the nest...but I'd like to be able to see the details throughout in this image. With old things like this truck...the details are cool!!

Very neat!

Well, there is a way to deal friendly with wasp. It works for me anyway, and requires a considerable degree of trust and belief on your part. The next time you you encounter a live and active nest of wasp that is near a place where you have to pass or occupy, merely do this: stop at the point of nearest contact -- now this takes concentration on your part -- look up at the nest, and speaking outloud, make a deal with them. Merely say something like this: "OK, wasp, listen-up. Here's the deal, you leave me alone and I'll leave you alone. You don't buzz or chase me, and I won't swat you or destroy your nest. Got it? OK, deal."

It's a little hard to guage this shot(this is right up there with the furniture by the side of the road) but it is reassuring to know that even when things are put out to pasture they do not have to cease having a function.

When your up for a dash of adventure, you might need some 5Ga. shot......and if your lookin' fur th' good ol' days, check the rear view mirror.

A little green around the edges but thoroughly enjoyable. After all life is not all blue skys and pretty girls.

Love the rustic colours and textures and a great find with the nest still being there.

Michaelangelo: I agree, boring! I just liked the nests showing up in an unusual place. Good point about the DOF and the indicators.

Frank Armstrong: I'm with ya! Works for insects and lots of critters, too.

JPH: Hahahhaha I love that you're comparing this with the furniture shot. Made me laugh out loud.