A beekeeper in New Mexico let hundreds of bees cover his face for a photograph. The beekeeper, named Les, works with bees without gloves or a protective suit. He says he needs to feel the bees with his bare hands so he does not crush them.
Photographer Holly Lynton spent three days taking pictures of Les as he worked. On the third day, Les held a small cage with the queen bee. Other bees always follow their queen in a large group, called a swarm. When the queen was placed into his hand, the swarm quickly covered his bare skin.
Les asked the photographer if he should put the bees on his face. He moved his hands up very slowly, and the bees walked across his cheeks. The insects stayed away from his beard and head because bees dislike hair. Les closed his eyes and stood quietly while Lynton took the picture.
Les said he could hear nothing except the loud buzzing of the bees. Lynton also moved slowly to stay safe, and bees even landed on her hands while she used her camera. Neither the beekeeper nor the photographer was stung.