Macrophotography will change the way you see nature
What is it?
Macrophotography is a popular art form that uses macro lenses for extreme close-ups of small subjects like plants and insects. Often the subject is presented as larger than life-size to reveal details the naked eye can’t see. If you don’t have a camera, try using your phone. Newer phone cameras can take remarkably sharp close-ups.
Why do we love it?
Anywhere there’s nature, there’s a macro world waiting to be discovered—making macrophotography accessible to all. Native plant gardens are great subjects for macro photographers because they attract dozens of pollinators and other beneficial insects throughout the growing season.
Some of our favorite subjects include bumble bees, flower flies and butterflies feeding on native wildflowers. Capture fine detail of pollination in action with a macro lens. The magic of decomposition and the microorganisms that help regenerate our soil make another great subject.
Try to guess what common species are in these photos. (Hint! The answers are at the end of this newsletter.)
The Perils of Artificial Lighting at Night
The first verse of the nursery rhyme, Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, is one of the first songs children learn to sing. Did you know, the song continues on to reference a time when starlight was a navigational aide?
Then the trav’ller in the dark,
Thanks you for your tiny spark,
He could not see which way to go,
If you did not twinkle so.
Although humans now have more advanced technological tools for wayfaring at night, insects do not.
Like a Moth to the Flame
Streetlights, porch lamps and other forms of outdoor lighting are all forms of artificial light at night, a phenomenon harmful to insects and other animals because of how it unnaturally brightens the night sky.
Artificial light at night disrupts the ability of insects to recognize their surroundings, navigate, find mates and even see. Artificial lights can also throw off their daily or seasonal rhythms and some insects are even attracted to light, which can often draw them to their death.
For example, a moth may mistake a porch light for the stars and the moon. Lost and confused, the moth becomes trapped and dies.
Light Responsibly
Many studies look at how we might curb these harmful effects by considering the type, style and wavelength of the light source. Research has shown a cool-coloured (blue to white) light without any type of shield or shade, is more likely to attract an insect than a fully shielded, warm-coloured (yellow to red) light.
Warm-coloured light is also less harmful to other animals, humans and the environment. Two studies at Grand Teton National Park found dim red lights gave visitors a better view of the night sky, sense of safety and navigation ability than cooler lighting. This enhanced the overall visitor experience and increased survival of resident insects. Both studies used lighting certified by DarkSky, a nonprofit dedicated to restoring the nighttime environment and to protecting communities from the harmful effects of light pollution.
Replacing or installing warmer, shielded lighting outdoors is a win-win; insects’ lives become less risky and our enjoyment of the night sky, the stars, constellations and meteorite showers, becomes more accessible.
Advocate for using DarkSky approved lighting at your workplace or update outdoor lighting. Connect with a stewardship coordinator to get started.
Reveal of the microphotography photos: A solider fly, a grasshopper, a cicada next to the shed skin of its nymph stage and Amanita muscaria, commonly known as the fly agaric, or fly amanita, mushroom.