…but this one is in a hyacinth. I like this shot lots. Even though the light was pretty harsh, it works with this one pretty well. And the bee is great looking. Long extension on the back leg. I’m often surprised when I see some of the shapes I catch.
Siderant: I’m really tired of hearing that “it’s all a matter of perspective” as a dodge to ignore reality. Everything really is what it is. And is not what it’s not – irrespective of what we choose to name it (as well as having a pretty sharp razor, Mr. Occam had a lot to say on “nominalism”). Rejecting that argument, specifically that by appealing to “perspective”, stuff can be something that it’s not, somehow seems to obviate the notion that perspective really is important.
Ansel Adams (look him up if you don’t know him – it’s worth the time) is quoted as saying, “A good photograph is knowing where to stand“. Getting the right perspective on the subject. Or at least a perspective that appeals to the eye…and beyond. Not to label this shot as Adamsesque, but the perspective on this one is nice. I could have shot a broader gardenscape and we’d have missed seeing the bee. I could have been behind the leaf to the left with the same outcome (i.e. sans bee).
The reality is, in that particular few seconds, that there was a bee on this hyacinth. And, further, where I chose to stand – or, rather, crouch – gave us a good look at some of her detail. Perspective really, really matters. That said, even if I call that insect a fly, it’s still a bee.
I’m usually a little reluctant to draw conclusions in the few rants I toss out here. But I’ll spell this one out: 1) It’s a bee. 2) I had to put myself in the right spot (including close enough to her) to identify whatever it is as a bee. 3) Even though I might wish it were something else (a spider or a Lindor chocolate truffle), it’s still a bee. 4) After all that, it’s on me to take the data from the needed perspective and behave accordingly. In other words, I did not call (or name/nom) it a chocolate truffle and pick it up and pop it in my mouth.
Sometimes the consequences of nominalism are immediately apparent. Sometimes it takes a while. But there’s no good value in the proposition, beginning, middle, or end.
Maybe it all really is a matter of perspective. But to be dishonest about what we observe – or, worse, willfully deny what we observe – can have no good outcomes ultimately.
