Shades of Green: A Day at Arboretum Kalmthout

Embarking on a photographic journey with my Canon 5D Mark III, 7D Mark II, and an array of lenses—including the Canon MP-E 65mm 5x macro, Sigma 100–400mm, and Sigma 18–85mm—I explored the verdant beauty of Arboretum Kalmthout, Belgium. Accompanied by my son, an aspiring botanist, and a close friend I've mentored in photography, we immersed ourselves in this lush haven.

The arboretum unveiled a tapestry of green: close-ups of aquagreen berries, leaves adorned with glistening water droplets, unopened flower buds, and myriad other botanical wonders. Each subject presented its own challenge and charm, captured through the unique perspectives offered by our diverse equipment.

A particularly cherished moment was capturing my son in the foreground, diligently searching for unique plant species, with my friends exploring in the background—a testament to our shared passion for nature and photography.

This collection celebrates the myriad shades and textures of green, highlighting the intricate details that often go unnoticed. Stay tuned for more glimpses into our day at this botanical treasure.

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Tiny Guardians of the Garden: 22-Spot Ladybirds in Arboretum Kalmthout

During a delightful visit to Arboretum Kalmthout with my son, an aspiring botanist, and a close friend I've mentored in photography, we encountered the charming 22-spot ladybird (Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata), known in Dutch as the "citroenlieveheersbeestje." These petite beetles, measuring just 3–5 mm, are easily recognized by their bright yellow elytra adorned with 22 distinct black spots.

Unlike their aphid-eating relatives, these ladybirds have a unique diet: they feed on powdery mildew fungi, making them valuable allies in maintaining plant health.

Capturing them with my Canon 5D Mark III and the Canon MP-E 65mm 5x macro lens was a rewarding challenge. This lens lacks a focus ring, requiring me to adjust focus by moving the camera—and myself—closer or farther from the subject. With the ladybirds and their perch swaying in the breeze, patience and steady hands were essential.

I prefer to embrace these natural challenges rather than manipulate the scene. The result: two images—one at maximum zoom out and another at maximum zoom in—highlighting the intricate details of these beneficial insects.

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A Day of Discovery at Arboretum Kalmthout

Embarking on a photographic adventure with my son and a close friend, we explored the vibrant Arboretum Kalmthout in Belgium. Armed with my Canon 5D Mark III and the Canon MP-E 65mm 5x macro lens, we delved into the intricate world of pollinators and blossoms.

Among our subjects was the Episyrphus balteatus, or snorzweefvlieg, a common hoverfly known for its distinctive orange and black bands. This species plays a crucial role in pollination and aphid control.

We also encountered the Apis mellifera carnica, or Krainer bij, a subspecies of the Western honeybee. Native to Central Europe, these bees are favored by beekeepers for their gentle nature and efficient foraging.

The arboretum's array of purple-hued flowers provided a stunning backdrop, enhancing the visual appeal of our subjects. With over 500 photos taken, this is just the beginning of sharing our day's discoveries.

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Chasing Dawn: A Morning in Kampina

Waking at 4:00 AM, I set out with my Canon 5D Mark III and Sigma 18–85mm lens to capture the 5:40 sunrise over the Kampina nature reserve near Oisterwijk. Though I didn't reach my intended spot, the journey rewarded me with serene views of the landscape bathed in the soft, golden hues of dawn.

Kampina's diverse habitats—heathlands, forests, and wetlands—come alive in the early morning light, offering a tranquil setting for photography. The interplay of light and shadow during this "golden hour" enhances the natural beauty, creating a peaceful atmosphere that's both calming and inspiring.

This experience reminded me that sometimes, the unplanned moments hold the most beauty. Even without reaching my planned location, the morning's quietude and the landscape's gentle awakening provided a perfect start to the day.

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Shades of Pink: Using my Canon 5D Mark III paired with the Canon MP-E 65mm 5x macro lens, I delved into the intricate details of pink botanical wonders.

Thalictrum aquilegifolium (Akeleiruit)

The first subject, Thalictrum aquilegifolium, commonly known as Akeleiruit, showcased its ethereal lilac-pink flowers. Native to Europe and Asia, this perennial thrives in moist, humus-rich soils, often found in woodland settings. Its feathery blooms, comprised of numerous stamens, create a soft, cloud-like appearance, attracting various pollinators.

Saxifraga hypnoides (Mossteenbreek)

Next, the Saxifraga hypnoides, or Mossteenbreek, presented a contrast with its compact growth and delicate white flowers tinged with pink hues. This alpine plant prefers shaded, rocky environments and is known for its moss-like foliage, which provides a lush green carpet punctuated by its star-shaped blossoms.

Unidentified Pink-Flowering Plant

The final subject remains a mystery—a tall, slender plant adorned with clusters of tiny pink flowers. Initially resembling Lythrum salicaria (kattenstaart), its more compact floral arrangement and elongated stems suggest otherwise.

Capturing these plants required patience and precision, especially given the shallow depth of field inherent to macro photography. Each image reveals the intricate structures and subtle color variations that often go unnoticed.

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Macro Marvel: The Intriguing Scorpionfly of Kampina

While exploring the Kampina nature reserve near Oisterwijk, I encountered the fascinating Common Scorpionfly (Panorpa communis), or "beenschorpioenvlieg" in Dutch. Drawn by its distinctive patterned wings and the male's curved, red-tipped abdomen—resembling a scorpion's tail—I was compelled to capture its unique features. Utilizing my Canon 5D Mark III with the Canon MP-E 65mm 5x macro lens, I managed to photograph this elusive insect, despite its tendency to fly off before I could get close.

Scorpionflies are harmless insects belonging to the ancient order Mecoptera, dating back over 250 million years. The male's "tail" is actually a pair of claspers used during mating, not a stinger. These insects are scavengers, feeding on dead insects and sometimes stealing prey from spider webs. Their mating rituals are particularly intriguing; males present females with nuptial gifts, such as dead insects or saliva masses, to increase mating success.

Capturing this image was a rewarding challenge, highlighting the intricate beauty of this often-overlooked insect.

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Macro Magic: Dimorphotheca ecklonis in Detail

While experimenting with my Canon 5D Mark III and Canon MP-E 65mm 5x macro lens at the Coppelmans garden center in Oisterwijk, I captured the intricate beauty of the Dimorphotheca ecklonis, commonly known as the Cape Marguerite or "de Spaanse margriet" in Dutch. This evergreen perennial, native to South Africa, boasts daisy-like flowers with white to purple petals and a dark central disc.

The macro perspective reveals individual pollen grains clinging to the stamens, with the contrasting yellow and black hues creating a striking visual. These flowers are not only ornamental but also attract pollinators, making them valuable in garden ecosystems.

Capturing such detail underscores the fascinating complexity of plant structures and the capabilities of macro photography.

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Geranium phaeum – The Dusky Cranesbill of Kampina

While exploring the serene Kampina nature reserve near Oisterwijk, I encountered the captivating Geranium phaeum, commonly known as the Dusky Cranesbill or "de donkere ooievaarsbek" in Dutch. This herbaceous perennial is native to Europe and thrives in woodland settings, preferring moist, well-drained soils and partial to full shade.

The plant features deeply lobed, soft green leaves often marked with maroon blotches. Its distinctive deep maroon-purple flowers, approximately 2 cm across, bloom from late spring to early summer, providing an early nectar pollinator source.

Photographed with my Canon 5D Mark III and Canon MP-E 65mm 5x macro lens, this close-up reveals the intricate details of the flower's reflexed petals and the crane-like shape of its seed heads, which inspired the genus name "Geranium," derived from the Greek word for crane.

Capturing this plant in its natural habitat underscores the rich biodiversity of Noord-Brabant's woodlands.

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Honeybee at Work – Kampina's Buzzing Pollinator

While exploring the diverse landscapes of the Kampina nature reserve near Oisterwijk, I captured a Western Honey Bee (Apis mellifera) diligently foraging among the wildflowers. This species plays a crucial role in pollinating a wide variety of plants, contributing to the rich biodiversity of the area. The Kampina's mix of heathlands, forests, and wetlands provides an ideal habitat for these industrious insects. Photographed with my Canon 5D Mark III and Canon MP-E 65mm macro lens, this close-up reveals the intricate details of the honeybee's anatomy and its vital work in our ecosystems.

#Honeybee #ApisMellifera #MacroPhotography #Canon5DMarkIII #CanonMPE65mm #NaturePhotography #WildlifePhotography #Kampina #Oisterwijk #NoordBrabant #NetherlandsNature #Pollinators #BeePhotography #InsectPhotography #NatureLovers

Coppery Mesemb – A Vibrant Touch in Tilburg

While exploring my garden in Tilburg, I captured the radiant beauty of the Coppery Mesemb (Malephora crocea) through the lens of my Canon 5D Mark III and Canon MP-E 65mm macro lens. This resilient succulent, native to Southern Africa, is renowned for its dazzling orange to red blooms and its ability to thrive in arid conditions. Its fleshy, triangular leaves store water, allowing it to flourish with minimal care. Beyond its visual appeal, the Coppery Mesemb serves as a valuable groundcover, aiding in erosion control and providing nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies. Capturing its intricate details up close reveals the delicate structures that contribute to its hardiness and charm.

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