I have always been a photographer with the attitude that a good photo is always worth the effort. Keeping with this philosophy I have been blown off a platform by a speeding train, swallowed by a twelve foot high ravenous, North Atlantic wave in January, and treed by a Pennsylvania bull with a couple of horns and an attitude. I have been swamped in a canoe photographing mallards in New Hampshire, frost-bitten while shooting ice crystals in the winter fields of Maine and sunburned capturing the nuances of Disney World in Florida. Through all of my photographic journey I have held steadfast to that singular philosophy: the resulting photo is worth the effort. Until two evenings past.
These two photos seem so simple in nature and charming in their unusual point-of-view but really, pretty common shots of one man's dog. Look at them, peaceful enough, plain enough that I can hear you wondering how bad the effort could have been to make me wish I never took them?
The answer, my friends, is almost out of a hooror film. As I lowered myself to the ground to get the unusually low perspective, I leaned myself on my left arm while I composed the images. It had rained most of the day so I didn't pay the soggy mud much interest. Until I realized, my entire left arm was on fire. I looked down locate the source of discomfort and was amazed to realize I could no longer see my arm. Just a million-strong mass of roving, biting, fire ants where my arm was suppose to be.
Yep, I got the 'shots' I were looking for but I would much rather not have these two photos then the 250 or so bites I presently have covering my left arm from my elbow to my wrist. And each one of these little bites pack an irritable amount of pain. Looks like some grotesque rash! But, yep, I got the photos.
Funny, I don't ever recall my home-state of Maine breeding man-eating ants. But, of course, this is Texas and Texas is the number one American home of species that would like to eat you.
Next time, I'm watching where I place my elbow - or any part of my anatomy for that matter. Good Day!
©2008 Robert C Burnham
rate
email
print
link to this page
Comments: 74
Well you should know about the Fire Ants for sure. I grew up with them and always look out for them. They are from South America and came in on a ship to Mobile Bay. They have moved north. The cold keeps them out of places were there is snow but that may change over the years. They are bad and there is no good way to stop them. Hope you are getting better soon.
i hope Streaker appreciates your sacrifice... hehe... take care my friend...
watch out where those body parts land... Bless you...
Thanks so much for posting this to
my group
As for species that like to eat one here in Texas, among red ants I could also name a few others, and one of them is not ME. ;)
Nice pics though anyway but I agree not worth 1 million man eating ants on ya!!!!!
;)
One more thing and what are wrong with frogs? Waiting for answer here while I am tapping my foot
P.S. I especially love that 2nd photo of your pooch gazing off into the distance!
To answer your question about how long the bites may be there...well that could be a couple of weeks before they are gone completely. They will get better the whole time, but the bite itself will be there for a couple of weeks most likely. So sorry to be the bearer of that bad news.
Here is some info for you from a very informative website:
Commercial products such as StingEze, calamine lotion, etc., will numb the area for a while.
Or for a home remedy for fire ant bites, quickly apply a thick paste of baking soda and water, or bleach and water, or meat tenderizer and water. These can reduce the pain and itching.
Spraying a topical (cortisone) or taking an oral antihistamine (like Benadryl) will help prevent allergic reactions and swelling.
Avoid scratching the pustule, which can lead to infection. (Yeah right, it is really hard not to scratch them, I know!)
Hope you feel better soon! You seem to be having some bad luck lately, first burning yourself and now attack of the ants!
Missy
who hopes to be out of the hospital longer than 4 days this time!
I gave you a ten because I think you are special
but i am laughing
hope your pain is gone
Glad you are getting better and love the pictures. Not sure they were worth it tho
You arent even close to the top of the food chain there.
Great shot, sorry about your arm.
Those ants CAN be very painful!!!
Ouch. Now that's rubbing salt into the wound.
You are very brave indeed.
And, I bow down to the king.
Have a nice day!
But fire ants? I got bit a few times, down in Alabama, while in training in the Army. The few bites I got was a learning experience. Can't imagine the whole arm.
At first I studied the top picture and wondered what you were tryng to catch. Did happen to note that the dog nipple turned out in focus, quite nicely. lol.
Leave it to me to take note of a dog nipple. Well... sheesh.... at first I thought it was a bug or something.
Ahh well... it's past my bed time. My sanity tends to get flakey when I'm this tired. G'nite sir.
I have to click on your name to see your wonderful articles.
Just thought you should know.
Great pictures. I love the 'under the belly' shot. Interesting perspective. Kinda like a perspective of a rabbit your dog just passed by. "Whew! This is a close one." lol
Thank you for posting to Make me Laugh