I took one of them and the other I didn’t.
One’s a bird and the other one isn’t.
When raptor ID expert Jerry Liguori passed away from ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) a few weeks ago on Christmas Eve it brought back memories of Ronnie Gaubert, one of the most gifted bird and nature photographers on the planet. I never met Ronnie but I often interacted with him on Nature Photographers Network (NPN) where he was a mentor and inspiration to countless aspiring bird and nature photographers, including me. Ronnie also passed away from ALS but during his long and debilitating illness he continued with his photography and generous mentoring of others on several prominent nature photography sites.
Not long before Ronnie passed in May of 2011 I bought a print from him, the only print I’ve ever purchased from another photographer. The title of the print is “Sleeping Bees” and when I saw it online it resonated with me to the point that I had to have my own copy. I was surprised that I’d be so deeply moved by a nature photo whose subject wasn’t a bird, but I was.
I own a print of the photo but I don’t own the copyright to the original so I can’t ethically (or legally) display it here. But please, before I go any further, open this link to “Sleeping Bees” so you can truly appreciate what a wonderful image it is. If you ever only open one link I’ve included in my posts I hope this one will be it.
I won’t even attempt to describe everything I love about “Sleeping Bees” but it’s detail, colors, composition and technical perfection are obviously the products of a master craftsman. And then there’s the emotion it evokes in me, probably inspired in part by the implied contentment of the bees as one of them holds its leg tenderly on the other. They almost seem to be holding ‘hands’ as they sleep.
And by the way, for those photographers who think that the latest expensive photo gear is required for quality photos, Ronnie photographed the sleeping bees with an old 6MP Nikon D100 at f/11.
OK, now comes the unexplainable. Soon after I received my print of “Sleeping Bees” life got in the way and I almost completely forgot about it. It was stored under a bed in a spare bedroom, still enclosed in its shipping box, for ten long years. But when Jerry died, reminding me of Ronnie, I resurrected it and immediately knew I had to have it professionally framed and hung somewhere in my home.
So that’s what I did. I got it back from the framer two days ago.
Photos of framed photos never look good, especially when I take them, but here it is on one of my walls in its 20″ x 26″ custom frame. This photo doesn’t do justice to the image so I really hope you opened the link above and inspected it carefully. The detail and colors in my print are even more remarkable than they are in the linked version of the photo.
But that wasn’t the end of it. The sequence of Jerry’s death, Ronnie’s memory and the resulting framed print of “Sleeping Bees” inspired me to take one additional step.
Readers will remember this Pied-billed Grebe photo I posted three days ago. In that post I wasn’t shy about proclaiming my love for the reflections in the water, the pose of the grebe, and the photo overall.
So I found a custom but pre-built frame for the grebe photo and hung that one too. Temporarily this one’s hung above my living room fireplace in place of the Black-billed Magpie print that many of you remember (my “magpie hat”) but it probably won’t remain there.
I’m still playing musical chairs with both newly framed prints so at the moment many of the framed photos and other artworks in my home are in disarray as I try to make final decisions as to where everything will end up.
The process is both fun and a little discombobulating, especially given my limited aesthetic sense, so it’ll probably be a work in progress for a while.
Ron
Notes:
This comment about Ronnie Gaubert in an online tribute to him jumped out at me – Ronnie’s photos “probably sold more Nikkor 300mm f4 AF-S lenses for Nikon than any ad campaign ever could.”
My good friend Jim DeWitt (Wickersham’s Conscience) has a wonderful photo of Ronnie on his own older blog post honoring him. Here’s the link.
“Sleeping Bees” made my heart sing. It’s delicate. It’s intimate. It feels like a peek into a world we know nothing about. I also love that grebe where it is. I imagine you with a duck butt hat now. Please make this happen, professor!
“Please make this happen, professor”
Wait for it, Arwen. It’s almost inevitable!
I completely understand your love of “Sleeping Bees.” I especially like the little, fuzzy photobomber to the left. The matting and frame definitely complement the image too.
Framing and hanging this print in a place of honor is a moving tribute to both Jerry and Ronnie (and I appreciate the nod to another favorite blog, WC).❤️
The grebe is perfect over your fireplace. Can’t wait to see what kind of “hat” he will provide. 😉
“Can’t wait to see what kind of “hat” he will provide.”
Ha, I’ve been wondering about that myself. At least it would be something different.
This warms my heart, Ron. I’m with you on the Sleeping Bees. It’s captivating. And I can understand how you would want to frame and hang that amazingly dazzling grebe photo of yours.
I keep looking at your photos, wanting to buy one (first one and then another), but i’m afraid to even inquire as to costs. So, I just enjoy looking at them online, and am so grateful for your generosity of sharing your art with us.
Thank you Nina. Just looking at them here is certainly cheaper, And a lot less hassle than ordering prints..
Thanks for sharing these beautiful photos. I especially love the colors of the Grebe on your fireplace. Best wishes and much appreciation!
Thank you, Mary.
Both images are well-deserving of being framed and hung in places in your home where you will see them daily! Mr. Gaubert’s bees are transcendent, so tranquil, they make me think: “Let sleeping bees lie…” Your grebe in such colorful, reflective waters truly looks like he belongs on that brick wall; magpie may just need to find another spot, I think. 🤔
Chris, magpies are nothing if they’re not adaptable so mine should be fine with such a move… 🙂
I forwarded the link to the bee photo to my brother, who is an amateur naturalist. Like me, he too loved the photo. He replied that
– he thinks they are longhorn bees. They aren’t too common in our area -and there are only 2 genus, one out in early summer, the otger in late summer. Usually, bees found sleeping on flowers are males, as females sleep in nests, even the solitary nesters, which are the vast majority of
new species.
Thanks for the info, Kent. Thanks to your brother also. Like most of Ronnie’s photos “Sleeping Bees” was taken in Louisiana, in this case near Prairieville.
Here’s what Ronnie said about their behavior: “Every afternoon just before dark these tiny bees latch down on these stalks of wild grass where they spend the night”.
Very nice post and tribute. Sleeping Bees is perfect in many ways.
Thank you, April.
I am moved. I am awed. I am grateful.
❤
If asked to select your best blog post – this morning’s post is certainly a contender. (BTW – will never answer that question – you know I’m a big fan and love every post.) Have never seen a photo so captivating on so many levels as ‘Sleeping Bees.’ Don’t have words … Agree with Terri the lovely colorful grebe photo looks awesome on the brick wall.
“Agree with Terri the lovely colorful grebe photo looks awesome on the brick wall”
Thanks, Kathleen. That gives me some confidence that was missing before.
Thank you Ron for sharing your story about Ronnie Gaubert and Jerry Liguori. The photograph, “Sleeping Bees” is beautiful. So is your photograph of the Pied-Bill Grebe and the water reflections and ripples. I remember when Jerry told me a couple of years ago (?) that he had A.L.S. That was sad news to learn about and even sadder to know he has passed on.
Thanks very much, ED. With the passing of Jerry and Ronnie we’ve lost two great ones. And both to the same insidious disease.
In your link to him, Ronnie Gaubert described himself as an amateur photographer. I don’t know where the line is drawn between amateur and professional but both he and you transcend those descriptors. Both extraordinarily talented and dedicated, and we’re fortunate that you have shared your work.
Only a cold heart could feel no emotion looking at the bees. These little beings and all the comments make me hopeful for the earth against all odds.
“I don’t know where the line is drawn between amateur and professional.”
I really struggle with that, Lyle. Sometimes I think of myself as a “semi-professional photographer” but even that doesn’t quite fit.
I loved this part of your comment – “Only a cold heart could feel no emotion looking at the bees”. I feel pretty much the same way.
The sleeping bees photo is just stunning. The green calls out to me, particularly since we’re in the icy, gloomy period of winter. I do love your grebe image–I’ve never seen anything like it. I’m glad you had both framed and can admire them every day.
Thank you, Linda. Yes, this time of year those greens fill a big gaping hole for us don’t they.
Thanks so much for including the link to “Sleeping Bees”. I found it to be
deeply moving on both an emotional and artistic level…….and then there’s
the level of technical accomplishment on top of both of those considerations !
I’m glad that you have seen fit to frame the Grebe image and hang it– I think
it helps an artist to have around him/her an occasional immediate visual reminder of the excellence of which he, too, is capable…….
“I found it to be deeply moving on both an emotional and artistic level”
Kris, your words describe my own reaction perfectly.
I haven’t thought about Ronnie in a while, but I am a great admirer of his work. I discoverd his web site in 1971 or 1972 when I was just thinking about getting more serious about nature photography. I suspect the lens he used for Sleeping Bees was a Nikon 300mm f/4 with Kenko extension tubes. That was what he used for many of his early macro shots. When I bought my first DSLR camera (Nikon D80) in 1972, I also bought the 300mm f/4 lens and accepted all the blame for my images not looking like Ronnie’s.
Some of his work can still be seen using this link
https://www.photo.net/522962#//Sort-Newest/All-Categories/All-Time/Page-1
David, I remembered that that you were (and are) a great admirer of Ronnie, as is our mutual friend Jim DeWitt. And many others.
Ron, I don’t check your blog every day, but I am really glad I did this morning. I have been on the web searching Ronnie Gaubert ever since I read your post. I was correct about the lens he used for Sleeping Bees.
.https://bugguide.net/node/view/28092
Thanks for the link and the info, David.
For those who may not be able to quickly find the image techs in that link, here they are in Ronnie’s own words:
“Nikon D100, Nikon 300mm f/4d lens and a set of Kenko extension tubes”
Thank you for the link!
Such a beautiful, moving photo. I’m glad you’re hanging his art and your own. I went back to your old post about Ronnie and unfortunately, none of the old links to his work survive. I hope someone is stewarding his work.
Mary, some of Ronnie’s work can still be seen here:
https://www.photo.net/522962?fbclid=IwAR27erFQTpHWUQbcUwEKkS2n0-CpBvUDh-iTjORNnjqAdLpKoFlV2Z5ZzS0#//Sort-Newest/All-Categories/All-Time/Page-1
Thank you!
Terri’s stunning is just the word I wanted to describe my reaction to the bee photo. Even stunning might not do it justice. That is just a flat out gorgeous and outstanding photo. What a gift. Glad you framed that, and also glad you did the same for your Grebe photo. When you posted it the other day I expressed my admiration for it. I know I would have framed it had I taken it.
Excellent post this morning. And in mentioning both of your late friends taken by ALS it should make us all realize how fortunate we are to just be here.
“in mentioning both of your late friends taken by ALS it should make us all realize how fortunate we are to just be here.”
Agreed, Everett. Last night I talked to the wife of my long-time best friend who died a couple of years ago. That very thought came to mind.
These photos surely deserve to be framed. I’d like to see you post your very first framed photo and your reaction/emotions seeing it in large print for the first time.
Elmer, actually some of the first photos I framed make me wince when I look at them now. What I thought was a good photo back then no longer qualifies.
Great additions to your gallery. Funny that the piece of suspended vegetation between the bees looks a little like a Letter “Z” if you squint.
Brett, to me it looks more like a high quality graphic “X” and I don’t have to squint to see it.. I notice it every time I look at the image.
The Sleeping Bees ARE a wonderous photo……. 🙂 Then there’s the reflections with the Grebe! 🙂 The colors in that certainly “fit” over the fireplace. Decisions, decisions, decisions! 😉 Always look SO much better printed out.
Brother Mike, when he had the print shop, would do an annual calendar for me – I was always surprised at the difference between the print and the screen…..
Exactly, Judy. Quality prints are simply amazing.
I opened the bee link, stunning!! I could admire those bees for years on my wall! and you done good with choosing a brick wall for that well-framed Grebe photo too.
Terri, I’m delighted you opened the link. It’s more than worth the effort.
Saying your aesthetic sense is “limited” is just too much false modesty, sir! Give me a break.
Sue, you don’t know me as well as I thought you did!
By the way, I talked to Monica last night. She sounds like she’s doing well.
C’mon! The way you describe your attention to detail in your images and your critical eye is rather commanding evidence of a very heightened aesthetic sense. You may not feel that your home decor aesthetic is a carefully curated, and that’s OK. You have an aesthetic where it counts—–in your art.
Thanks so much, Sue.
Remember when I was choosing new countertops for my kitchen and I had such a lack of confidence in my ability to choose appropriate colors and patterns I had to have help?
I got that help from you! One of my very fond memories.
I do remember that!
Funny you mention your counter tops. I seem to remember an image you posted with the counter tops and as I recall some of the colors of the counter top are the same as the colors in the pied-billed grebe water swirls.