Step into the garden
PHOTOGRAPHY
Bitten by the bug…
Insect photography has changed his outlook on life completely, says Mike Green. He shares tips for taking photographs and appreciating these little critters.
Where did your interest in insect photography come from?
This might sound strange but it didn’t start out as a love of insects. In 38 years as a photographer I had explored almost every genre except for macrophotography – until eight years ago, when I had to assist my mother, who has dementia, with full-time care on a farm. It was frustrating no longer being able to take photos of weddings and sports events. John Read, a good friend of mine, introduced me to macrophotography. And all of a sudden I had hundreds of subjects right under my nose to photograph!
Why do you enjoy photographing butterflies, insects and bees?
I use a macro lens for this type of photography, so I get to see fascinating detail that we cannot see with the naked eye. The particular “construction” and behaviour of insects constantly astound me. Next time, before you reach for the can of insecticide or the swatter,
