The First... by Chipka
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
I saw her on a sunny day; she’d slept through the winter, and though spring hadn’t yet offered the bounties that would support a new hive, she was awake to greet the season. I was awake enough to greet her. With my camera.
I don’t remember very much of that day, but I remember that she was the first yellowjacket that I saw. I remember handling her, warming her on my finger in the sun and trying to get her to cooperate, rather than wander. She was more interested in wandering. I was amused. In total truth, yellowjackets amuse me. I suppose I can afford this sentiment as I’m not in the habit of threatening them. Or perhaps—as I’ve often thought—I smell right. Or, more disturbingly, I resemble an unfortunate, ungainly, ugly yellowjacket to these small yellow and black, opportunistic, tea-raiding people. Whatever it is, I’m glad of it, because as a photographer, I’ll never run out of subjects as long as those rather pushy stinging people are around, making shameless attempts to steal whatever I’m drinking.
As always, thank you for viewing, reading, and commenting, and I hope you’re all having a great week.

Comments (24)
a terrific capture
WOW! Very beautiful capture of this lovely lady
That is a great picture. The color is fantastic.
Stunning capture my friend. God Bless.
Fabulous capture! Wow. Clarity and light, and the cell structure is fascinating. Your friend is lovely! :)
What a beauty!
Busy time ahead for this little fellow!
Great narrative and work!
This is a splendid job. It is very artistic. I thank you. 5+!
Gorgeous work.
Yellow Jackets have always earned my utmost respect. This one is a beauty. They do like to checck out whatever you are drinking if it is sweet and syrupy.
I used to love taking pictures of bees, then they tried to kill me. Your shot is fantastic.
That is so splendid, she is as stylish as a sports car! (and I am SO behind in looking through your gallery!)
I really like this beautiful shot and I so enjoyed the little happy story too :-)
A delightful shot - sharp and clear; and a wonderful subject! Great capture, Chip!
wonderful
Wonderful crisp detail of this lovely, if a bit frightening, stinger. I'm amazed you pick them up and handle them, the rest of us just run away!
I hope you write books you have that special way to make a simple thing much more exciting
MARVELOUS IMAGE
I told you many days before. You are officialy aproved by yellowjackets as a good human! Impressive capture!
You have such a talent at capturing wiLdlife, and this is a perfect example. I really don't know how you commune so well with nature!
A fascinating image of this early emergence.
I fear I am in the same boat as you. I am irrisistible to salt, sugar or flesh loving insects. Put me in a tent with two other humans overnight & in the morning there will barely be enough of me left to mourn my fellows intactness. Great shot!
An excellent macro shot Chip and a wonderful zoom to check the body markings and wings!