English: This pollinating bee was photographed in Austin, Texas, in the Fall of 2019 on 35mm photo film that I altered using electricity and chemical liquids such as bleach. The film was altered prior to shooting and although I know how the colors and pattern of the emulsion will be altered, I have no control over where the dots or streaks will lay. Therefore, planning the composition of the subject I’m photographing to interact with the film is nearly pointless — so instead I shoot with the intent of capturing the truth. I believe this leads to images such as this, where the subject and altered film align symbiotically to tell a story.

What is the story of this photograph? With the population of bees, and other pollinators in decline, we’re forced to wonder: is our human touch — our impact — our choices, the cause? Is climate change, from energy sources such as fossil fuels, leading to the population decline of pollinators? Are harsh chemicals like bleach an influencing factor?

As the electric blue bolts circle the quietly feasting bee while bubbles engulf it from all sides, I lean to think that our pollinators, our human race, and our planet are in danger due to our influence.