What’s Your Favorite Unexpected Photographic Discovery?

[Marty E]

I’d love to see some of your favorite unexpected discovery shots – ones that surprised you and were completely unplanned? Here’s one of mine. I almost passed it by, just happening to notice a black speck on a red flower that looked like dirt from a distance. I went over to it with my telephoto lens and saw that it was a strange-looking insect. I took several shots without thinking much more about it. During post-processing, I was shocked with awe that such a thing existed in nature that had double antennae! My bug expert identified it as a purslane sawfly, ancestor of honey bees and wasps. I also learned that the double antennae were called bifurcated. I felt like a kid in a candy store running around to show my find to friends and family. I’m so glad  I stopped to take a closer look at that black speck!

[Rob Wood (Admin)]

Very cool little creature. You’ve got me thinking now. I might have to go back through my collection. I actually can’t recall any time where I found something in my photo that I didn’t realise was there when I took it.

[Dahlia Ambrose]

The bifurcated antennae are really peculiar and I haven’t seen an insect that looked that way. What a wonderful find Marty. Thank you for sharing and can see your excitement.

I love to observe bugs and learn more about them. Recently I’ve been fascinated by the leaf cutter bees and the blue banded bees in the garden. They are too fast and I still have not managed to get a good photo of them other than some “not so good” videos 🙂

[Patrick]

I bet your videos are excellent but i know you have high standards when i look at your photos 🙂 , i am worried about my own now haha

 

[Rob Wood (Admin)]

Dahlia’s standard usually pushes us all. We are lucky to have her around.

[Dahlia Ambrose]

Gosh Rob!

[Dahlia Ambrose]

Oh Patrick! No, the videos were just shot with the mobile and your photography is awesome without a doubt 🙂

[Marty E]

I agree leaf cutter bees are fast! Not sure what the blue banded bees are although I got a few shots of carpenter bees with turquoise bands in Michigan using high speed continuous shooting. Are carpenter bees what you’re referring to?

I’m glad you enjoyed my bug with the bifurcated antennae!

[Dahlia Ambrose]

No Marty. Not the carpenter bees. I’ll find the photo and share with you here. They are quite stunning to look at 🙂

[LightandShadow]

Actually, my “Unexpected photographic discovery” isn’t a particular image. It is rather the discovery that the world held such visual interest that I hadn’t previously seen. The whole damn enterprise surprised me at a time in my life when I needed it.

[Rob Wood (Admin)]

Ha ha, that’s just the thing isn’t it? If you have a boring area of photograph and zoom ride in and find the intricacies. Was always something interesting in every field of you if you can find it.

[Marty E]

Thanks for sharing about your discovery, Steve. It sounds like it arrived at the perfect time in your life

[Dahlia Ambrose]

Totally agree Steve 🙂

[LightandShadow]

Here’s something more akin to the original post’s intent. Way back in 2004, as I was beginning to get a bit serious about this thing, we were visiting my in-laws who had moved to the beach. Just before Christmas, we went down to the ocean in a crisp day, temps in the upper 40’s or so, and I saw this.

The couple in the background were sitting in their beach chairs but sort of huddled up–not exactly comfortable in the temps. It’s not a great image technically but I did take some care to frame it in ways that I would not have a few months earlier. I was at the beginning of keeping my eyes open for views that were not stunning colors and lighting and not  snapshots of families and pets but something unexpected.

I can’t say it’s a favorite. I can say that I remember it from over 20 years ago–and that’s worth the price of admission to this stream.

[Marty E]

Great back story, Steve! And well-captured shot, love it

[Rob Wood (Admin)]

I think when you first start going down the path of “intentional” photos it’s when your photography starts to skyrocket.

[Marty E]

Good point and well made, Rob! I’ll try to set that on my radar for the coming year 😀

[Rob Wood (Admin)]

I think that one has been on your radar for a little while now, Marty. Some of your black-and-white stuff has been absolute standout for this site over the past 12 months.

[Marty E]

Thanks, Rob, much appreciated 😀 A note about my b&w photos, I asked AI to “critique & rank for photo contest” of an assortment of my b&w for a shots. I was surprised that AI had picked up on a style for my work: chiaroscuro. I’m delighted to see it that way & plan to lean into doing more of that work

[Dahlia Ambrose]

This is a good storytelling photo Steve and love the composition! 🙂

[Author]

Posts