Tiny worlds

When you peer through the viewfinder of a macro camera a springtail is no longer just a tiny speck on a leaf. You're peering into a world in which a myriad of life is cohabiting, interacting, reproducing and hunting with mesmeric captivation. For me, the interest comes in the detail. The tiny physical details of the subjects I'm photographing but also the details in habitat, habitus and morphology.

As both entomologist and photographer I'm completely amateur. In fact, for my day job I work mainly at a computer in a sector far removed from nature. Nature photography provides a welcome escape from daily life, provides a huge mental and physical health boosts and allows me to combine two things that I love - nature and photography. Through photography I'm able to share with you the wonders of nature that I find.

Ethical photography

Importantly, when taking photographs of any living being my aim is to minimize any stress or disruption that may occur to either creature or habitat. Causing harm or damage to a living organism cannot be justified in the pursuit of a photograph alone. Photographs taken are of live specimens (unless stated), of non-manipulated animals that are usually taken in the situ. I will occasionally capture (for instance spiders) specimins to move to a location to photograph before returning to the location where they were found.

What's in my bag

When heading out with the camera I always go prepared. It's important to wear the right clothing, suitable footwear and take plenty of food and water to last the day. Batteries need to be charged and spares packed. Most importantly, perhaps, is the camera gear itself. So, here's what goes in my bag:

• Nikon Z6 - full frame mirrorless camera
• Laowa 100mm 2x macro lens
• Laowa 25mm 2.5-5x macro lens
• GODOX V350N TTL Flash
• Cygnustech v2 diffuser
• Head/hand torch
• Raynox dcr-250
• Meike MK-Z extension tubes

Resources

There are load of great sites and social media groups to help with identifying your macro subjects. I find that following likeminded individuals, seeing othter peoples finds and joining discussions is a great way to learn new things about nature.