September 13, 2016, Arkansas. I spotted a horsefly resting on a weathered, rusty mailbox. The insect seemed ordinary, yet there was something captivating about its stillness and stance. Wildlife photography often brings unexpected subjects into focus, and this horsefly was one of those moments.
This shot serves as a reminder: sometimes, the smaller, overlooked creatures hold just as much wonder as the more celebrated animals. For a wildlife photographer, every detail matters, and macro photography reveals details invisible to the naked eye.
Horseflies: Hidden Complexity
Horseflies might look unremarkable, but their biology is surprisingly complex. Males are harmless, feeding mainly on nectar. Females, however, require blood for their eggs, making them more aggressive feeders. They come equipped with specialized mouthparts—two pairs of sharp blades to cut through skin and a sponge-like section to lap up the blood. This unique feeding adaptation is both fascinating and efficient.
Capturing this level of detail requires patience and a steady hand. Photographing such a subject lets you appreciate its anatomy and function in a way casual observation would never allow.
Photography Tips: Macro Photography with a Zoom Lens
Capturing a close-up shot of a small insect like a horsefly presents challenges. While a dedicated macro lens is ideal for extreme close-ups, a zoom lens can still yield impressive results. Here’s how you can get the most out of your equipment when shooting macro:
- Zoom in from a Distance: If you don’t have a macro lens, use a zoom lens to get closer to the subject without disturbing it. A telephoto zoom (like a 70-200mm) can work well to isolate the subject while keeping a safe distance.
- Aperture Control: Use a wide aperture (low f-stop number) to achieve a shallow depth of field. This blurs the background and makes your subject stand out sharply, as seen in this photo of the horsefly against a soft, blurred backdrop.
- Stabilize Your Camera: Small movements get exaggerated in close-up shots. Use a tripod if possible, or lean on a stable surface. If you’re handholding, keep your shutter speed high to avoid blur. For a shot like this, a shutter speed of 1/500s or higher can help.
- Focus on the Eyes: For insects and small animals, sharp focus on the eyes adds life to the photo. In this image, the horsefly’s eyes draw attention, showing texture and complexity that would be lost with a softer focus.
- Use Natural Light: Shooting outdoors provides beautiful, even lighting, especially on overcast days. If the sun is too harsh, look for diffused light, like the soft light of early morning or late afternoon. Bright, direct sunlight can wash out details or create harsh shadows.
- Background Matters: A clean, simple background emphasizes the subject. Here, the rusty red mailbox provides a contrasting, uncluttered backdrop. When you’re in the field, consider how the background complements the subject.
Finding Beauty in Small Moments
Wildlife photography isn’t only about capturing large, dramatic animals. Smaller subjects, like this horsefly, reveal a different side of nature. Every insect, every leaf, every beam of light tells a story.
For me, standing there by an old mailbox, a small insect became the center of my focus. Moments like this reinforce that beauty lies in every corner of the natural world, waiting to be documented. Even a simple horsefly can surprise us, if we take the time to look closely.