We all have our own ideas of what is pretty and what is not so pretty.  I find everything in nature fascinating but I do understand that not everyone will share my view of how pretty some little critters are.  As you look over the macros below I think some of you will find a subject or two that you find attractive, but many of you will find most of the “little critters” slightly less than pretty.  Maybe even a nightmare or two will ensue.

Of the three major forms of nature photography, wildlife, landscape and macro, there is no doubt to me that close up photography is both the most difficult and the most interesting.  There is a never ending supply of subjects.  I can explore for hours in a dewy meadow or at the edge of a marsh.  Getting down to eye level (and back up) is getting to be just a bit more traumatic than it used to be.  Still it is worth it. The majority of all of my super close-ups are made using my trusty old (and good) 105 Micro Nikon. Some others are made with my 75-300 macro zoom at 200-300mm or a 300mm f4 lens with extension tubes.  Those final two lenses are used to either give me a little space from my subject, to narrow down the background or both.

Let us start out with true beauty.  The female Forest Wolf Spider.

Caterpillars tend to move a bit slower than spiders.  I caught each of these stout little fellows in mid chew.  Caterpillars love to eat.  Our top subject is the common Monarch Butterfly caterpillar having breakfast on what else……a milkweed plant.  Our second subject is a favorite of mine.  Other than the fact that I know that this is a moth caterpillar, I am at a loss as to the type.

Many people do consider (including me) dragonflies to be beautiful.  I know several who are shocked when you get up truly close.  Some because of the colorful detail and some because they believe these close-ups reveal some hideous looking aspects of the dragon.  What do you think?

I think everyone agrees that butterflies are beautiful.  Like all photographers I spend a lot of time creating images of breathtaking, freshly immerged creatures with their wings either spread open or raised above their back.  I made a deal with myself a long time ago I would also photograph the worn and tattered butterflies.  In fact all of nature’s beauty and her scars.  This Buckeye Butterfly is simply old.  A senior citizen among butterflies.  Moving in really close and eliminating its colorful wings lets you see the character that develops with age.  At least I hope it does.

I think most everybody is okay with a snail.  A snail in its shell. I found this one out for a leisurely walk one day.  I can honestly say I was fast enough to catch this guy in mid-step.  A snail’s pace.

Generally we don’t take the time to notice the detail in a wasp.  One summer I decided to change that (for me) and I photographed several varieties of wasp.  This is a Mud wasp.

Bonus Shot!

Of course flowers and plants are a part of macro photography as well.  One of my favorite subjects is just this simple.  A drop of dew or rain adorning a single blade of grass.  You have to hurry because it’s lifetime is short, but you simple must study it and appreciate the natural art of it all.

Go out and celebrate and enjoy everything in nature, both the grand and the tiny,

Wayne