Julia Tanner
October 2026 - Welcoming a Visitor
About the Image(s)
A metallic green sweat bee visits a luxurious pink lotus bloom.
Lotus at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens in Washington, DC approach peak bloom in early July. The petals welcome pollinators as they open to the morning sun. Shadows cast inside the blossom by 9 AM summer sun, in this case, I think added beneficially to the composition.
I go to Kenilworth equipped with my 600mm prime rather than a macro setup, anticipating the resident night herons and occasional falcons. I find the 600mm also handles flowers and insects nicely, and I can carry less weight by not having to switch out my equipment.
Nikon Z8, Z 600mm f6.3 PF VR S, ISO 450, 1/2000
9 comments posted
Julia, photographing Lotus flowers in all stages is a delight. I have been several times to the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens in Washington, when we happen to be in Rockville, MD visiting our son, and I always bring my long lens to be able to create images like this. The colors are very vivid, and the shadows inside of the flower give depth and 3D quality to the image. The bee in flight, despite of being small, gives life to the frame. Great capture Posted: 10/08/2026 12:33:55
FYI to the group: This is what the Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens looks like in July, and the size. Posted: 10/17/2026 22:03:42
Posted: 10/17/2026 22:04:03
Hi Isaac, great map and wide view of one of the lotus beds. I hope some of these colleagues can visit at some point. Although not surrounded by a great area of DC, the park itself is gorgeous (especially in July, indeed), safe, and fascinating. Posted: 10/23/2026 14:13:05
Hi Julia,
I really like the sense of scale evoked by your image. To the bee, the flower is enormous and the bee is navigating around that flower like a helicopter might approach an airfield. The image suggests that an entire world exists within that flower. Great colors and detail. Posted: 10/08/2026 14:31:36
I really like the sense of scale evoked by your image. To the bee, the flower is enormous and the bee is navigating around that flower like a helicopter might approach an airfield. The image suggests that an entire world exists within that flower. Great colors and detail. Posted: 10/08/2026 14:31:36
Julia, I love the serene mood that you captured of this blushing lotus in a quiet, breathless moment. Your lighting highlights the gentle pink hues of the flower and the vibrant contrast with the deep green bee. I've photographed lotus flowers at the Huntington Gardens last summer, but your glowing image is exceptional. Posted: 10/08/2026 18:24:35
Julia - what a great idea this is! You've created a lovely colourful Image and the idea of having such a small narrow creature seemingly 'just visiting' gives very interesting scale variation. Lovely it!
Lots of petal detail and good background. I think you are right to visit garden locations with a long lens rather than a macro - it gives better flexibility of longer shots of flowers individually or groups and clearly helps creativity as you've proved here! Posted: 10/16/2026 17:26:00
Lots of petal detail and good background. I think you are right to visit garden locations with a long lens rather than a macro - it gives better flexibility of longer shots of flowers individually or groups and clearly helps creativity as you've proved here! Posted: 10/16/2026 17:26:00
Hi Julia, what a beautiful capture of this lotus flower! I love the different pink tones in the petals and the way the light creates a lovely interplay of shapes and shadows. The little bee adds a wonderful sense of scale, while the blurred green background provides a lovely contrast with the flower.
If I were to be a little picky about what could be improved, I might clone out the small bright spot on the petal at the bottom left and clean up the area around the stem to help it stand out more clearly, without any distractions. But these are just minor suggestions for an already beautiful image Posted: 10/23/2026 13:42:53
If I were to be a little picky about what could be improved, I might clone out the small bright spot on the petal at the bottom left and clean up the area around the stem to help it stand out more clearly, without any distractions. But these are just minor suggestions for an already beautiful image Posted: 10/23/2026 13:42:53
Hi Maria, those are great points. I am glad to receive such comments on my images - that is a large part of why I'm here - to keep growing. Thank you! Posted: 10/23/2026 14:08:43