The day was winding down as I retraced my steps back to entrance of Green Spring Gardens, when I caught a glimpse of a Spotted Cucumber beetle (Diabrotica undecimpunctata). My initial instinct was to switch from my 55-250mm telephoto zoom lens to my 100mm macro lens so that I could fill the frame with this colorful little insect on a single flower.
I was tired and a little impatient, so I decided to photograph the beetle with the “wrong” lens. In retrospect, I am happy that I made that decision, because I ended up with an image that I really like. Yes, the beetle is still there, but the shape and positions of individual buds of the flower are what make this image stand out for me.
What did I learn? I realize that I need to consciously question my initial instincts and consider shooting a usual subject in an unusual way. I can’t always rely on fatigue to be the causative factor for a good result.
Spotted Cucumber beetle on red flower
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Lovely color! I agree, right decision.
Thanks, Sue. I deliberately undersaturated the colors a little when tweaking the photo and the greens got a little paler and the patterns in the red flowers were revealed better.
taking a picture is ALWAYS the right decision! It’s crazy how different lenses can change EVERYTHING.
Different lenses or even another perspective can make you see differently. I’m thinking of spending an entire day shooting with just my 50mm lens as an experiment to see what the world looks like zoomless and macroless.