@openheart, thank you so much for your comment! I will surely keep trying, but I have a feeling I'll need new glass to get even closer.
Maybe you could bathe in insect repellent before making an attempt to photograph bees or would that be counter-productive since they might fly away before you take the shot -- haha!
I never tried talking to them, but I have a feeling that keeps them from flying away from me. 😅