What is a CSA?
As summer days stretch towards autumn, there’s something undeniably magical about visiting a local farm. If you have not done so yet, I would highly recommend finding a farm near you that offers a Community Supported Agriculture program. A CSA is a way for people to purchase seasonal produce directly from local farms. It helps out the farms and depending on the type of program you decide to join, you get a weekly mix of fresh veggies grown nearby. What’s not to like?
A Change of Pace
Recently, I visited Sweetland Farm for my CSA share, and amidst the bounty of vegetables, I stumbled upon a unique way to appreciate nature’s beauty. Sweetland Farm not only provides members with a variety of freshly harvested vegetables, pick your own hot peppers and herbs, but also the chance to create their own unique flower bouquets. The farm’s flower beds are a vibrant display of colors and scents. Instead of gathering flowers as I normally would, this time, I decided to embrace a different approach.
A View of a Different World
With my camera in hand, I slowly walked up and down the colorful rows of flowers. Almost immediately, I heard the sound of buzzing all around me. Bees and pollinators of all types were flying all around, leaving no flower untouched. As I watched, I set up my camera and began to take photos of this important process. The bees did not notice, or seem to care that I was present. They were in their own little world, and I was in mine. It was a marvelous, almost symbiotic relationship. I am grateful for each photo I was able to take. Capturing their quick movements and delicate flight required a mix of patience and skill.
Telling a Story
This subject and style diverged from my usual preferences of event photography, known for its swift pace and constant shutter clicks. It required me to slow down and patiently await the opportune moment. Focusing on tiny, active subjects like bees proved especially challenging, as they rarely paused. Once I achieved focus, they swiftly buzzed away to the next bloom. This endeavor was a delicate balance of timing and technique, demanding precision and patience with each button press.
During my hour or so at the farm, I was not just capturing what was going on around me, I was creating art. I was trying my best to tell a story. These pollinators often go unrecognized for the jobs they do. Often, many of them are miss-categorized as pests. The end results from my time at the farm are beautiful shots that both depict bees’ essential role in our ecosystem as well as the simplistic beauty of a world smaller than ours.
As you collect your CSA share, consider venturing beyond the routine. Whether through a camera lens or appreciative eyes, you’ll uncover a world of wonder amidst the vegetables and blooms. Who knows, you might find yourself captivated by the fascinating pollinator realm, just as I was on that summer day at Sweetland Farm.
Be sure to check out a CSA program near you. If you’re ever close to Norwich, VT. Be sure to check out Sweetland Farm as well.
