We’re bug-crazy in this house. More to the point, my son is bug-crazy and by extension so have we all become. The evolution of his interests has been fun to watch; every few months he has a new topic to devour. For some time it was the solar system and space. We couldn’t watch, read or visit anything if it wasn’t in some way helping him better understand this deliciously interesting new world. Flash forward six months and things have changed a bit. We still read our space books and watch our long-recorded TV shows but the current object of his nerdy little mind are bugs and all things wonderfully creepy and crawly. For Halloween this year he dressed as an entomologist. For Mommy and Daddy, trying to figure out an entomologist costume was no small feat and required some intense discussion; they wear pretty much what you and I wear but are covered in bugs and carry a butterfly net…just in case you were wondering.
I love this childhood curiosity my children have and, to be truthful, it rubs off. I have to admit that it’s been fun to visit bug expositions and science centers and even with a biology degree I find myself learning new things each time. This interest has crept into my photography; at my son’s behest I often have to take a break from photographing the objects and landscapes of my desire to shoot the six-legged objects of his desire. Not infrequently I find that I’ve become more interested in the scene my boy has discovered than the one I set out to shoot. It also gives me some time with my son talking nerdy things like pollination and photosynthesis; it really doesn’t get any better than that.
27 Comments
It is surprising how we learn to look at things with fresh eyes when you have children.
This kind of forces you to slow down a bit and look at the most basic things in new ways – perfect for photography.
Another great post Christopher.
Thanks so Mike! It really does give a whole new perspective and without question has changed my photography; I have a new eye, or more accurately, I have four new eyes looking for photographic subjects and themes.
nice colour and clarity here.
Thank you Faisal! I really appreciate your visit to my site and the great images on yours.
Thanks for the sun you bring home, here in gloomy Paris, Christopher : with your brightful image but with your words too. How excellent to have such a curious of everything little boy (i almost wrote “bug”
and maybe next year he’ll want a costume of anthropologist since from bugs to human beings, well, it’s just a step or two in the same stairs of interest. And i’d love personally to make macros one day. Bugs world is so fascinating & i watched so many marvels on the bugs-crazy photographers on Aminus & everywhere, really hope i’ll try this one day (but for the moment, i’m still on Paris bugs, who have two legs and not enough wings but i love them too 
) Have a great day & thanks.
Thanks so much k@! I think we’re all grateful that you have been focusing on those lovely, interesting Paris bugs!
excellent capture and gorgeous colors
Thanks so much YZ!
I know what you mean – the view through the finder always changes – in fact of having the perspective of another person you can discover soooo many new things. I’m curious whats comming soon
… good luck my friend!
Thanks Nicki! Friends and family help us see the world better. Cheers Nicki!!
At first i was caught by the bright yellow. Sunflowers are definetely a flower that provides us a very strong and special energy. We can understand why Van Gogh was fascinated by them. And here, thanks to your son, we got these bugs giving yet more meaning to your great shot.
I agree PixeLuz, Van Gogh’s fascination becomes apparent when you take even a moment to appreciate these majestic flowers. Thank you so much for the thoughtful comment!
Superbes couleurs ! Un plus, tu as deux insectes différents sur la fleur… bien joué Christopher!
Merci beaucoup!!
I love this – you captured both the bee and butterfly!
Thanks Kala!
Its my first time to your blog! Really cool shot! Love the intense yellows and how the moth and bee are sharing their feast together!
Hi Andy! Thanks so much for your visit and for the comment!
It’s a nicely shot sunflower…
You’re so right to enjoy his “curious” years. In a while (it’ll pass sooo quickly!) he’ll change his interests to a different type of natural life, and there’ll be an exclusion zone!
Thanks George–I know you’re right. I try to soak up each phase in their lives knowing that before long I won’t be invited on these adventures. =[
this one is splendid, really an explosion of light and colors….
Many thanks!
nice and sharp with gorgeous colors!
Thanks Joshi!
this is outstanding, with the butterfly and the bee on this wide face of the flower, well spotted and well captured
Thank you very much Ayush!
Waiting for the sun, a great fullcolorshot
fine details.
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Many thanks Olaf!