• Blog Home
  • About
  • Store
    • Buy Photo Products
  • Candlestick Park Photographs
  • Fall Foliage in Canada
  • Photography Services

untouchedtcphotos

~ Unique Fine Art Photography

untouchedtcphotos

Category Archives: Home Garden

Black Wing Bumblebee Stinger

18 Monday Jan 2021

Posted by untouchedtcphotos in Backyard Garden, Bumblebee, Garden, Home Garden, Lobelia Gerardii Vedrariensis

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Backyard Garden, Bumblebee, Garden, Home Garden, Lobelia Gerardii Verdrariensis

This Bumblebee was approaching a Lobelia Gerardii Vedrarien Cardinal Flower for nectar. I photographed her at 1/8000 of a second.

The side black wing on this bee is cool. I associate black wings with a DC or Marvel super hero. Even though this bee is not attacking the flower with its antennae, it makes an interesting fantasy story with these black wings. This bumblebee has a nice mostly black body. The coloring just adds to the ominous appearance.

A few years ago, my friends and I had a blast watching Ant Man. Maybe one day someone will create “The Stinger” – a superhero who has the ability to sting and stun for protection against bad guys. He would have super wings to fly fast like a bee. It might be a little funny to see this superhero in a fuzzy black and yellow suit.

This photograph would be perfect to show off this new super hero with the greenish lighted background and bee centered approaching the flower.

A good photograph should allow us to use our imagination and take us to a fantasy world. We all want to escape our current reality. We need to use our imagination to create a better reality. We can use our imagination to be creative with our reality to find solutions.

So if we ever see a movie called “The Stinger”, remember you saw the idea in this blog post first.

Photos encourage our imagination!

 

 

 

Share this:

  • Tweet
  • Shop for our photos on Etsy
  • Order Our Photographs

Like this:

Like Loading...

Quick Chow Down with Meyer Lemon Nectar

16 Saturday Jan 2021

Posted by untouchedtcphotos in Back Yard Garden, Backyard Garden, Bumblebee, Garden, Home Garden, Meyer Lemon

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Backyard Garden, Bumblebee, Garden, Home Garden, Meyer Lemon, New Improved Meyer Lemon

I photographed this Bumblebee recently sitting on a leaf and taking a break and feasting on some Meyer Lemon Nectar from the flower. She was also helping to pollinate the flowers. I had to be quick to shoot this picture. The bumblebee was only there for about a minute. It is interesting how the bumblebee planted herself down in this sitting position. Then she curved her body over the lemon blossom to properly positioned herself to get a good sucking of the nectar. She even had her legs hanging out on the side of the leaf. It is pretty amusing to see the bumblebee chowing down for the quick sweet snack.

This reminds me when I could enjoy chowing down at a buffet. Periodically, my buddy and I would go to a buffet for lunch to enjoy a variety of Chinese and other Asian food. I can identify with this bee’s sitting to be comfortable as she had her short feast. Even though over the years, I have modified the amount of food I eat at a buffet. I am more selective, and I do not have to try every single food in the buffet. There was a time I had to absolutely eat at buffets in Las Vegas. But now I do not feel this necessity. I do not go to Las Vegas very often. But now I prefer choosing a restaurant based on what I am craving to eat. Also since the buffet prices are higher now, this contributes to my change in preferences of restaurants. 

I do love the variety of food choices at a buffet. Eating at a buffet gave my friend and I an excuse to spend time together in the midst of our work and family. I do miss going out with friends and eating at restaurants. I have not done any outdoor dining. The temperature in my neighborhood is never too warm, so it is not as inviting to sit outside to eat.

Who knows what is the future of buffets after the pandemic? 

At least, I have been enjoying cooking and eating food at home. I can do this chow down pose in the privacy of my home to enjoy good food. Let’s see how long it will be when I can go out with my good buddy to enjoy a meal at a restaurant.

Photos show fun eating poses!

Share this:

  • Tweet
  • Shop for our photos on Etsy
  • Order Our Photographs

Like this:

Like Loading...

Wild Flowers that grew in our yard 6 Years ago

13 Wednesday Jan 2021

Posted by untouchedtcphotos in Backyard Garden, Garden, Home Garden, Wild Flowers

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Backyard Garden, Garden, Home Garden, Wild Flowers

Six years ago, these flowers grew naturally in our backyard. I shot this photograph of these flowers in 2015. It was nice that I did not have to tend to these flowers. The color was vibrant. Our yard had been landscaped previously, and these flowers were probably planted in the original design. Unfortunately, when we had the drought years, then the flowers eventually died off.

The rain has not been overly abundant this season. It looks like this could be a drought year. In 2015, I was not spending time in the backyard as I am doing currently. What am I going to do to preserve the flowers and plants if we have a drought?

Lack of resources whether it is money, food, housing, or water is a problem for many individuals especially during this pandemic life. I am trying to ponder how I will water my garden if there is not an abundance of rain. I do save shower water for the garden. My wife is suggesting to collect rain water, even if it is not too much.

Planting drought resistance flowers which attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds is also another option to consider. Since my garden has been my refuge from the pandemic, I am determined to figure out a way to preserve my flowers and plants.

During this pandemic life, we all are facing a variety of problems. But which problem are you determined to find a solution? I need to create a list of options to try. My parents taught me to create a variety of backup plans, if an initial plan does not work. This has been a valuable lesson to have alternatives to find a solution.

These flowers are vibrant and pretty in color. I miss these flowers and am glad I have the photographs to remind me of their beauty. The photograph also reminds me due to drought, and my neglect to find a solution for watering during a drought resulted in their demise.

Stay tuned to see what my future plans to maintain my garden will be. I am looking forward to see what my plans will be too.

Photos give lessons from past failures. 

 

Share this:

  • Tweet
  • Shop for our photos on Etsy
  • Order Our Photographs

Like this:

Like Loading...

How About an Insect for Dessert?

01 Friday Jan 2021

Posted by untouchedtcphotos in Anna's Hummingbird, Back Yard Garden, Backyard Garden, Cuphea Vermillionaire, Garden, Home Garden, Hummingbird

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Anna's Hummingbird, Backyard Garden, Cuphea Plant, Cuphea Vermillionaire, Garden, Home Garden, Hummingbird, Sloat Garden Center

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

I took these series of photographs in sequence as I followed this hummingbird’s actions. These hummingbirds are constantly looking for food to maintain their energy level.

It is amazing to see the different positions of this bird’s wings from the back to the side and forward. I love the forward curved wing positions.  He enjoyed the nectar from the flower and kept moving his wings while drinking the nectar.

The hummingbird’s green back blends in so well with the greenery in the garden. The Creator gave the hummingbird pretty colors to match his surrounding and to be hidden from any predators.

The hummingbird’s expression is interesting as he gazes at the insect dessert. Not sure how he compares the insect snack with the flower nectar. I usually prefer sweets over savory. But it is a hard choice since I love all food.

I can identify with the hummingbird and his constant need to feed. It doesn’t take me too long to get hungry after a meal. I often am hungry by bedtime. Unfortunately, I do not have the metabolism of a hummingbird. So I cannot afford to eat before bedtime.

As this difficult 2020 ends, we all possess an abundance of mixed emotions about the events of this year.

One of my goals during this pandemic was to get healthier. I learned to increase my steps per day and managed to lose about 10 pounds. Perhaps, I would not have accomplished this goal, if it were not for the pandemic and sheltering in place.

During this pandemic, our household tried to cook and eat different foods. Fortunately, my wife did bake comfort treats to ease our SIP mood. We needed our desserts to soothe our anxieties and the changed social interactions.

In the midst of trials, we do need good things to comfort us like dessert.

This hummingbird enjoyed his insect dessert, as he stared at his spec of a meal.

In 2021, make sure to find ways to reward ourselves, since we do not know how long until we transform into a new and better normal.

What pandemic goals will we seek to achieve in 2021? Let’s give ourselves comfort rewards for our achievements in the new year. We all need our comfort foods, but I would not choose an insect dessert.

May we find photographs to motivate us to do better in 2021!

Share this:

  • Tweet
  • Shop for our photos on Etsy
  • Order Our Photographs

Like this:

Like Loading...

Crazy Wings

18 Friday Dec 2020

Posted by untouchedtcphotos in Anna's Hummingbird, Back Yard Garden, Backyard Garden, Canon, Cuphea Vermillionaire, Garden, Home Garden, Hummingbird, Sloat Garden Center

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Anna's Hummingbird, Backyard Garden, Canon, Cuphea Plant, Cuphea Vermillionaire, Garden, Home Garden, Hummingbird, Sloat Garden Center

Since I have been shooting photographs of hummingbirds, I never realized how many different poses and positions these birds have. The more I shoot the more I am surprised by the many different positions they move their wings. These wings look curved forward in their position. Also this bird’s head gives a different position of looking at the top from a slight angle.

Being a good photographer means catching natural images. I dread having my photograph taken. I probably only have a couple poses when I asked to be in a photograph. Being a typical guy, I am not flexible. I miss not playing sports. I walk for exercise and keep an eye on my fitbit to get 15,000 to 20,000 steps a day. In addition to walking, I do get low when I am gardening, but that’s my limit. My wife does pilates. She is flexible and gets into stretch positions I cannot even figure out.

One of my best pictures are taken as I am in position to shoot pictures. That is my natural position. It is best to capture any living creature doing their own “thing”.

A good picture reveals who we are. So my perfect pictures show me in action.

The hummingbirds are pretty focused on getting their nectar. They need the energy, since they move so quickly. So most of their pictures show their beaks in the flower.

How can you improve your photography? Try to catch your subjects in their natural habitat where ever or whatever that is.

See how you can improve your picture taking during this Christmas? Can you take some creative pictures other than just around the tree? What kind of fun poses can you shoot of your love ones?

Photos Teach!

Share this:

  • Tweet
  • Shop for our photos on Etsy
  • Order Our Photographs

Like this:

Like Loading...

Up Close & Personal

17 Thursday Dec 2020

Posted by untouchedtcphotos in Anna's Hummingbird, Back Yard Garden, Backyard Garden, Canon, Cuphea Vermillionaire, Garden, Home Garden, Hummingbird

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Anna's Hummingbird, Backyard Garden, Canon, Cuphea Plant, Cuphea Vermillionaire, Garden, Home Garden, Hummingbird, Sloat Garden Center

It is difficult to get an up front photograph of the hummingbird. Most of my shots are from the side. The hummingbirds are timid and are getting accustomed to me in my yard. They fly closer to me to check me out and access if I am safe. I try to wear colors to match the environment and to blend in. I am pretty still and do not move much.

It is hard to find the right spot to catch the hummingbird. It is unpredictable knowing where the birds will fly to get their next sip of nectar. It was pretty remarkable to get in front of the bird to see him face to face.

Since being sheltering in place, we hardly see anyone. We go grocery shopping and see the other shoppers whiz by.

It has been a challenge to be up close and personal with people via video chats. Our family has been just as busy with activity. We save time by not traveling as per our old routine. Instead we spend more regular time with our friends, family and relatives. We are hearing about experiences from the younger generation as they are learning to develop their passions. We enjoy their acting, dancing, writing and ambitions to make this world a better place. We share our worries, problems and triumphs during this pandemic life.

We are learning how to be involved with each others lives. For example, my cousins are enjoying my recent nature pictures. One cousin passed on my website info on a Nextdoor thread about hummingbirds. This probably would not have happened if we were not regularly meeting together.

Surprisingly, we are getting up close and personal with our loved ones, even though we do miss being together physically. Our relationships have become stronger even during our video meetings.

I’m glad I could get up close and personal with this hummingbird. It took effort on my part to get close to this bird.

In the same way, it takes time and effort to get up close and personal with the people in my life. But it is so worth it to be a part of people’s lives. I

Are you going to be up close and personal with your people? Find your people and get involved. A Pandemic is not an excuse to be a spectator. Can you expand your circle?

Photos Teach!

Share this:

  • Tweet
  • Shop for our photos on Etsy
  • Order Our Photographs

Like this:

Like Loading...

Reaching Forward

14 Monday Dec 2020

Posted by untouchedtcphotos in Anna's Hummingbird, Back Yard Garden, Backyard Garden, Canon, Cuphea Vermillionaire, Garden, Home Garden, Hummingbird

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Anna's Hummingbird, Backyard Garden, Canon, Cuphea Plant, Cuphea Vermillionaire, Garden, Home Garden, Hummingbird, Sloat Garden Center

This hummingbird’s wings look translucent. They look a little angel-like. It is interesting how he has his wings going forward. Humans reach forward to obtain an object. A referee will put his 2 arms forward to signal his call for a play. During a worship service, some people will raise their hands to symbolize surrender to God.

Is this hummingbird just reaching forward in excitement for his next drink of sweet nectar? When I was able to attend a live game, fans raise their hands up to cheer when their team scores. Even when at home while watch a championship game, my friend had her own style of raising her arms up to cheer.

How often do we reach forward to grasp something and clumsily drop it? Consider the football player reaching for the ball during a pass and accidentally drops it. The ball was in his grasp. But something goes wrong, and the grip was lost. This hummingbird is fortunate that it does not have hands to hold onto anything. It just has the wings to hold upward and onward.

Do we have something to be excited about during these pandemic times? We can be grateful for this waiting period for COVID-19 to be resolved. Why should we be grateful for this time? We don’t know how long this waiting time will last before things become our new normal without the threat of catching this virus. There is a lot of uncertainty.

The only certainty is that we have to wait. Waiting means having a hope to reach forward and pray for solutions. We have not because we ask not. Reaching forward means we expect to receive something in our hands.

Can we reach forward in hope?

Photos Teach!

Share this:

  • Tweet
  • Shop for our photos on Etsy
  • Order Our Photographs

Like this:

Like Loading...

Who is that Masked Bird?

11 Friday Dec 2020

Posted by untouchedtcphotos in Anna's Hummingbird, Back Yard Garden, Backyard Garden, Canon, Cuphea Vermillionaire, Garden, Home Garden, Hummingbird

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Anna's Hummingbird, Backyard Garden, Canon, Cuphea Plant, Cuphea Vermillionaire, Garden, Home Garden, Hummingbird, Sloat Garden Center

Light creates interesting patterns and effects for photographs. Due to the change in the seasons, the light is best between 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. The position of this hummingbird is getting the black shadow on his face with a backward “C” around his eye. The black shadow resembles a black mask on this hummingbird’s face.

One thing I enjoy about watching these creatures, who are visiting my garden, is their nonchalant persona. The hummingbird does not try to hide who he is. He shows himself as he really is. This bird is not afraid to show how much it likes the flower nectar. He flies from flower to flower and keeps drinking the nectar. Birds have no inhibitions. They know their purpose in life.

Man typically hides his insecurities, fears and anything else he does not like from other people. Being under a mask to pretend we are someone we are not makes it easier to face the world.

My wife is working from home. Like many others, she has meetings with groups of co-workers. Often times, the camera is turned off as they converse about work. Most people do not want to show they are working in their pajamas. Or they may not want to show their hair which has not been cut for a long time. Many are hiding what they look like since everyone is just staying at home.

Wanting to connect with other people at church, she participated in a virtual choir. A video file with the audio singing is required to be merged with the other singers’ files. It was difficult for her to see and hear herself in the videos. It took quite a few takes to create a halfway decent video and audio file.

Ironically, this could be how we approach showing ourselves to the world. Maybe we need to do more practices of life to improve and get out from behind our masks. Imperfection is ok.

I hope my photographs of birds, bees, butterflies or people would show their true individual essence. Yes, I want to capture a sharp and clear image. But a true artist is able to capture the expressions that show who the subject really is.

Photos reveal reality!

Share this:

  • Tweet
  • Shop for our photos on Etsy
  • Order Our Photographs

Like this:

Like Loading...

Greenback

11 Friday Dec 2020

Posted by untouchedtcphotos in Anna's Hummingbird, Back Yard Garden, Backyard Garden, Canon, Cuphea Vermillionaire, Garden, Home Garden, Hummingbird

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Anna's Hummingbird, Backyard Garden, Canon, Cuphea Plant, Cuphea Vermillionaire, Garden, Home Garden, Hummingbird, Sloat Garden Center

Here’s a real greenback of a hummingbird who visited me in my garden. These hummingbirds seem to recognize me now when they come to feast on my flowers’ nectar in my backyard. I try to be quiet not to scare of the birds. The birds are getting accustomed to seeing my big camera equipment. Initially, they were a little scared of the equipment.

A greenback is a slang term for the United States paper dollars issued during the American Civil War. This paper currency was not backed by gold or silver but only by the American government’s credibility.

I prefer the greenback on this hummingbird than the old time greenback reference. It is glossy and the color highlights the darker speckles. His wings are perfectly pointed out to the sides, as he approaches his next flower.

I do not utilize any software to change my photos. So the hummingbird’s greenback color is true to his actual appearance.

Being credible and true is important. We all should endeavor to be real and authentic. Nobody enjoys a false persona. I would not have wanted to utilize the original greenbacks. I would not have trusted this currency without any real value backing it.

My goal is shoot photographs which reveal true colors and the intricacies of the subjects.

Individuals may try to hide their true colors. But reality is usually revealed with bright lights.

Let’s try to be credible and real. If we are not content with our current reality, then let’s seek to improve and change.

This hummingbird has the best real greenback!

Photos teach reality!

Share this:

  • Tweet
  • Shop for our photos on Etsy
  • Order Our Photographs

Like this:

Like Loading...

Bright Guy

10 Thursday Dec 2020

Posted by untouchedtcphotos in Anna's Hummingbird, Back Yard Garden, Backyard Garden, Canon, Cuphea Vermillionaire, Garden, Home Garden, Hummingbird

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Anna's Hummingbird, Backyard Garden, Canon, Cuphea Plant, Cuphea Vermillionaire, Garden, Home Garden, Hummingbird, Sloat Garden Center

I am not a guy who wears pinks or bright colors. I like darker colors. Male hummingbirds possess bright colors like this bird. Notice the scale pattern with the varying shades of purples, pinks and white from under his eye moving down to his wing. These are the colors my wife loves. It’s interesting how he has one wing forward and one wing going back.

Dreams should be pursued. I thought of this idea of shooting images of birds, butterflies, and bees almost 30 years ago. Due to this pandemic and SIP, I created my garden oasis and upgraded my camera equipment for this quest. I go to my yard for almost 2 hours around lunch time when the lighting is the best. I got a heavy duty chair that will hopefully hold me and my heavy equipment. Since I am in my yard, I do not worry about thieves coming behind me to steal my equipment. It’s already happened to me in the past. In the Bay Area, we’ve heard of many incidents where thieves steal camera equipment from individuals and filming crews.

New equipment means spending time to learn. One can only learn by trying and doing. I figured out how to use some new settings to make this bird look sharper and brighter. Practice does help to improve skills. Since I’ve figured out a schedule to shoot pictures due our pandemic situation, I’ve been practicing and am learning how to improve my photographs.

Please note my website is “untouchedtcphotos”. How did I come up with this name? These colors are not altered via any software program. These are the actual colors from my photo shoot. The picture has not been brightened. The picture has not been sharpened. By the way, “tc” refers to the initials of my name.

Dreams can be pursued even during a pandemic. Pursuing excellence in my photographic skills is my goal.

I hope my sharing these bright hummingbirds in my blog brings a little brightness to our SIP time at home. My bird watching and photography has helped to improve my disposition too.

Photos bring brightness!

Share this:

  • Tweet
  • Shop for our photos on Etsy
  • Order Our Photographs

Like this:

Like Loading...
← Older posts

Recent Posts

  • Black Wing Bumblebee Stinger
  • Quick Chow Down with Meyer Lemon Nectar
  • Really Long and Thin
  • Wild Flowers that grew in our yard 6 Years ago
  • Blowing kisses to say Good Bye to Tommy Lasorda
Follow untouchedtcphotos on WordPress.com

untouchedtcphots on Facebook

untouchedtcphots on Facebook

Blogroll

  • Untouchedtcphotos Etsy Store Buy our Photos and Photo Gifts on Etsy!

Categories

Archives

What to do with a Scenic Magnet Pin?

https://youtu.be/_To7sLoDqbs

untouchedtcphotos

  • About
  • Buy Photo Products
  • California State Bldg Photo Show
  • Candlestick Park Photographs – Art Prints
  • Classic Candlestick Park to Demolition Photo Show at Twin Pines Art Center in Belmont
  • Events
  • Fall Foliage
  • Fall Foliage in Canada
  • Order Images
  • Photography Services

Create a free website or blog at WordPress.com.

Cancel
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
%d bloggers like this: