New Issue: Bees (Norway)

Here is a remarkable new issue from Norway. The stamps show bees - the first is the Tree Bumblebee (bombus hypnorum) and the second is the Western Honey Bee (apis mellifera). Both of these are very common bees in Norway and across Europe. Have you ever thought how beautiful bees are? Design Quality: The design is basic and depends on photographs. But these are excellent examples of macrophotography that are very "up close and personal" with the bees. They are fantastically detailed. The only issue, which Xanthe pointed out (as a photographer!), is the framing of the Tree Bumblebee photograph - it would have been better if its wings were fully in the image. 7/10 Theme and Subject Choice: Insects are a good choice for stamps, but they are a popular and safe one too. Bees are very common and, as we see, they are also very attractive. 7/10 Historical and Cultural Relevance: Bees are all around us and so we should celebrate them. They are important to our environment. They may not seem historically relevant but they have always been important to our lives. 8/10 Innovation and Creativity: The macrophotography is nicely detailed but it's not especially creative. These are just nice pictures of bees. 6/10 Collectability: Many collectors like stamps showing insects. I am very interested in moths and butterflies, but I also collect other insects including bees. I imagine other collectors will like these, especially as the stamps are so attractive. 8/10 Personal Appeal: I know how hard it is to take photographs of insects. I like these stamps because they show how wonderful bees are and capture them in so much detail. 8/10 Overall Score: 44/60