February 2024 Wildlife Photography Contest Intermediate Winner

One early summer morning, accompanied by my faithful companions—my dog and my camera—I ventured outside to test out my newly acquired Sigma Art 135 F1.8 lens. We didn’t stray far; the soccer field adjacent to my street provided the perfect backdrop for experimenting with dog portraits and action shots. I have always enjoyed shooting at the break of dawn—the tranquility and freshness of the air, the soft hues of the sky, and the absence of crowds. The lens exceeded my expectations, delivering stunning clarity and detail in every shot.

However, as my dog grew weary of posing, I found myself drawn to a small patch of wildflowers nestled between the soccer field and the cemetery. The sight of countless bees flitting from one bloom to another against the backdrop of the morning sky was mesmerizing. Despite knowing that the 135mm lens was not ideal for macro photography, I couldn’t resist the temptation to capture the scene. Handholding my camera made it challenging to focus on the constantly moving bees, but I persevered, snapping away as best I could. While some shots turned out better than others, I was thrilled when one emerged as a winning image, perfectly encapsulating the serenity of that morning.