Since the early 1960’s Gordon has been involved with the Christchurch Hobbyist Beekeeping Club on this same plot of land. For a decade he’s been the hive master too, and yesterday It was a privilege to spend time with Gordon as the sun settled against the horizon.
We talked about bee behaviour and in particular how temperature affects the colony, and where not to stand around hives if you don’t want to get attacked. Gordon invited me to the next club meetup in October which will be a great way to meet more beekeepers, including younger folk and females.
He showed me around the beautiful plot that has a classroom, working hives, BBQ area and a purposefully planted/ cultivated selection of trees, shrubs, and plants that offer flowers to the bees. The light of the day caught me off guard to be honest, and was hard to work with it being so strong and bright. Springtime change has snuck up with the days drawing outwards, and it’s time to push shoots forward from 4.30 – 5.30 start. I’m busy again with image making with the next five days booked out with beekeeper portraits. Good times!
I’m settling into the photographic process again after weeks of lockdown and personal projects, and was comfortable scanning today with the realisation that every portrait of this series is different due to location and light, and now the set has grown, I’m satisfied with this.
