My Backstory
If someone had told me in 2014 that I’d become a macro photographer specializing in invertebrates, I would not have taken them seriously. Sure, I have always found insects fascinating. Even as a child doing gardening chores, I would stop to move them out of harm’s way. (This usually ended with my mother yelling out the window, “Stop playing with the bugs and just finish your work!”) But I knew little about them. Photographing them? That hadn’t even crossed my mind.
Yet here I am, deeply immersed in a world I didn’t realize I was looking for. Through photographing these small creatures around us, I’ve fallen in love with them. And this journey has connected me with incredible people in the nature and macro photography community.
Back when it all began in the summer of 2014, my personal life was in chaos, my advertising job was busier than ever, and I was losing inspiration to create the art I was making. I was a casual photographer — using my camera primarily to gather reference material for other art projects. My focus was on urban landscapes under specific lighting conditions, a task often at odds with my work schedule. I needed an artistic outlet that was both sustainable and fulfilling.
Little did I know, the tools for change were already within reach. Without a clear plan or goal, I started reevaluating the equipment I had — and began to play.
Gear and Early Exploration
Among my gear was a macro lens capable of 1:1 magnification, a purchase I had made back in 2008 primarily as a short telephoto lens (thanks, past Joseph). One summer day, I took a closer look at that lens and thought, “Maybe macro photography could be the creative outlet I need.” Years earlier, I had dabbled in macro using techniques such as lens-reversing and macro bellows on my 35mm Canon AE-1, so I figured it couldn’t be that hard. Spoiler: It was harder than I thought.
Macro lens on my camera and tripod in my hand, I went to my garden to photograph flowers and insects. It only took a few frames to realize how much I had forgotten from my early film days. During those first few backyard photography sessions, I scared away many of the subjects I tried to photograph, struggled to get an in-focus image, and realized that using a tripod was maybe not the best idea.
Even with all these initial problems, it was fun in a way I hadn’t felt about photography in a long time. I wanted that feeling of fun to continue, and I used that as my drive to keep going.
Through the fall and winter, I immersed myself in learning about the world of macro photography. I read extensively about techniques, equipment, and the work of photographers I admired — like Clay Bolt, Nicky Bay, and Thomas Shahan. Inspired by their images, I began experimenting with lighting. I bought a used macro twin flash, but quickly realized its small light source was too harsh for the subjects I wanted to photograph. This led me to build my first DIY diffuser to soften the light. There were resources online at the time for diffusion ideas, and I think I experimented with most of them. (One thing I learned on this journey is that I had to start somewhere.) Lighting became a cornerstone of my path to discovery. I began building a new diffuser annually for my Canon twin flash, incorporating lessons learned from previous seasons to refine the output. Drawing inspiration from portrait photographers, I studied lighting techniques and adapted them for macro subjects. Throughout that fall and winter, countless hours of indoor practice prepared me for the real test: the advent of spring and a garden full of life.
First Discoveries
When spring arrived, I photographed every insect I could find in my yard. One of my early highlights was capturing a tiny sweat bee foraging on a hydrangea flower along my driveway. Through the lens, I could see pollen grains flying like tiny sparks. I was in awe that such beauty had existed unnoticed in my own yard. After some research, I identified the bee as a Lasioglossum — a bee that I hadn’t known existed before I started macro photography. This discovery made me want to learn more, see more, and keep photographing everything I could find. With every photography session, I was realizing macro photography was more than just a creative outlet; it was a journey of discovery. I suddenly found calm as I crouched down somewhere taking countless photos of whatever was in front of me. Online communities of macro enthusiasts became invaluable, offering tips, encouragement, and a sense of camaraderie. Photography became my way to slow down my thoughts — the process took patience and gentleness, and I loved that about it. It helped me cope with the chaos in my life and gave me new inspiration to create. It still does to this day.
Opportunities and Growth
2017 was a turning point for me, with three incredible opportunities coming my way: a project to film and photograph Partula snails for the Detroit Zoo, collaborations with the Jamieson Biodiversity Lab at Oakland University, and exhibiting at events at the Belle Isle Nature Center. These experiences deepened my passion and broadened my horizons.
Working with the Detroit Zoo was transformative. Documenting the endangered Partula snails was both challenging and rewarding, and it gave me a sense of pride to contribute to conservation efforts. The project showed me how photography could raise awareness about biodiversity. Collaborating with the Jamieson Biodiversity Lab connected me with the scientific community. Photographing native bees and other invertebrates for research and education gave my work another purpose beyond art. I formed incredible friendships and felt a meaningful connection to the ongoing conversation about conservation.
Exhibiting at the Belle Isle Nature Center was another milestone. The community I met there — including Mary from the Jamieson Biodiversity Lab — opened doors to new opportunities and lasting friendships. To see my work displayed publicly and inspiring others reinforced my commitment to this path.
Continuing the Journey
Today, my passion for macro photography and the role invertebrates play in our environment has never been greater. Whether exploring my backyard or visiting new places, each outing feels like an adventure. When I photograph new-to-me species and capture those fleeting moments that I get to share with the world, I’m inspired to keep looking closer to see what I’ll find. In retrospect, I realize I didn’t find my niche — it found me. All along, it was waiting for me to notice it. My journey from casual photographer to macro specialist was unexpected, but through it I have learned the value of curiosity, experimentation, and being open to new experiences.
For me, passion and dedication turned tiny insects into endless sources of wonder. I am grateful for the opportunities, connections, and lessons this path continues to reveal to me, and I can’t wait to see where it leads next. So go ahead — try something new. Dust off old interests, experiment, and explore. You never know — you might just find the niche you weren’t looking for, or it just might find you.
