I captured my first pollinator images with a very low resolution tablet camera in 2017. The pollinators emerged on flowers on a small farm I worked at the time. The seeds came courtesy of Puget Sound Beekeepers Association, who still hands out the packets for free. A few paths converged in 2021 when I purchased my first mirrorless camera. Cost, compact size and circumstance turned into my first attempts at macro photography with an actual camera.
Mirrorless Cameras and Equipment
Each camera technology comes with unique characteristics aimed to suit certain uses. I chose an APC sensor camera for cost and size reasons. I knew I wanted a body with interchangeable lenses. The COVID "bonus" made the choice really simple. That it led to Flying Tongue Pictures speaks to my feelings about the choice.
Pollinator Plus at Beacon Food Forest
By 2018 I joined Beacon Food Forest and volunteered with the Bee Team. The pandemic made finding Bee Team volunteers who could commit to the schedule honey bees require. It morphed into Pollinator Plus. That group held a Pollinator Plus Fest 2024 and 2025. It will return in 2027 under a different, likely larger form.
The food forest continue to bring a large
Eli Bloom
My volunteer career at the food forest overlapped with a Seattle area bee survey Eli Bloom placed at the location. He created a survey of the locations bee populations I still refer to.
Joining the Washington Native Bee Society
Word got out that I tried to launch A Bug Explorer's Camp in 2022. It never got off the ground but it lead to conversations with the Washington Native Bee Society. That non-profit launched in 2022. I joined their board in 2023. I feel honored to be part of their effort. I head the very busy Education team there and look forward to adding to our growing list of accomplishments.
Launching Flying Tongue Pictures
I softly launched Flying Tongue Pictures in 2025 after a similar effort failed to meet expectations. That effort, like this one, carries a strong commitment to pollinator advocacy, habitat stewardship and pollinator focused education. While the previous effort included some photography, the main focus aimed elsewhere. The convergence of acquiring skill, pollinator knowledge and neighborhood surveys meant with all the pieces in place, the next step(s) were obvious.
A clinching factor is my love for this craft. I get to combine skill, commitment and mental activity with an outdoor activity than can also alert the public to the little things we can make our world a better one for pollinators.
And then the thrill of launching something new...