Study in yellow

Posted on February 5, 2014 by Rachael

f/4, 1/250, ISO 1000, 100mm

A shot from October that I had overlooked. Lacewings appear delicate but are formidable predators of aphids. According to my Collins Complete Guide to British Insects, ‘the larvae of some species camouflage themselves with the dead skins of their prey’ (p.106). I thought it was pretty, toning with the autumn colour of my dogwood tree. Lacewings look amazing in flight; a photographic challenge for this year perhaps…

Cropped for those who like their bugs up close and personal

Pretty in yellow

Posted on October 14, 2012 by Rachael

Well, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. But to me this little yellow psocid, hanging out against a complimentary background, is a thing of beauty.

Its common name is rather less attractive – it is a bark louse.

Unlike its relatives who live as pests in the home, this critter eats organic matter in the garden and really isn’t interested in coming indoors. It is very small indeed, about the size of a garden ant.

Psocids in the garden are often mistaken for aphids, but they can be distinguished by their large jaws, resembling those of crickets, and long antennae. If you can squint closely enough. Really, these details can only be noticed with the aid of a macro lens, or a magnifying glass.

I took far too many shots of this little critter. I need just one for a panel I am working on. Which do you like best?

Yellow field before the storm

Posted on September 17, 2012 by Rachael

Many of my images are inspired by paintings. I think the same basic compositions work in both mediums. In this image I was inspired by the watercolours of Michael Morgan RI, an artist whose work I greatly enjoy. I was recently lucky enough to acquire two of his originals which, together with one of his limited edition prints now provide permanent inspiration on my walls.

Which artists inspire you? Feel free to post examples of your work below. I find the crossover between genres interesting and would love to see what influences my fellow photographers!

It was all yellow

Posted on August 22, 2012 by Rachael

Look at the stars
Look how they shine for you
And everything you do
Yeah, they were all yellow

I came along
I wrote a song for you
And all the things you do
And it was called ‘Yellow’

So then I took my time
Oh what a thing to’ve done
And it was all yellow

Your skin, oh yeah, your skin and bones
Turn into something beautiful
D’you know? You know I love you so
You know I love you so

I swam across
I jumped across for you
Oh what a thing to do
‘Cause you were all yellow

I drew a line
I drew a line for you
Oh what a thing to do
And it was all yellow

Your skin, oh yeah, your skin and bones
Turn into something beautiful
D’you know? For you I bleed myself dry
For you I bleed myself dry

It’s true
Look how they shine for you
Look how they shine…

Look at the stars
Look how they shine for you
And all the things that you do.
(Coldplay, ‘Yellow’)

Fastidious

Posted on August 19, 2012 by Rachael

A fastidious wasp cleans its antennae. Close up, wasps are quite beautiful creatures, at least I see them that way. However, I must confess that I am not sorry their numbers are down this year. It is so pleasant being able to eat outside without the constant attentions of the usual pesky band of vespula vulgaris. This shot is from last year.

Ranunculus

Posted on July 1, 2012 by Rachael

Just revelling in the ruffles of a ranunculus.

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