Insect Portraits
These insect photos were mostly taken around the US, although a few of the butterfly photos were taken in the butterfly house in Amsterdam, some in the butterfly conservatory of Niagara Falls in Ontario, Canada. Most of the Praying Mantis photos were taken in that insect's natural environment. However, some of the extreme close-ups were taken of a Praying Mantis being kept in captivity as a pet. The extreme close-ups were taken with a Sigma f2.8 105mm macro lens with varying lengths of extension tubes.

These prints of insects - some showing the unusual details of their facial features - will almost certainly appeal to a far smaller audience than many of my photos. However, for me - the photographer - there is a pleasure in capturing a crisp, sharp image of something I cannot see clearly with my own bare eyes. And there is, to my way of thinking, a kind of beauty in the details revealed about these small creatures that seem so alien to us.

If you're interested in macro photography and would like to try this type of photography, I've written a Beginner's Guide to Macro Photography. If you have any questions after reading this, please feel free to contact me, Robert Stephens, at TheWorldinLight@aol-dot-com. For email, please use the word "photos" in the subject line.

I've also written an article about the insects seen in my Michigan garden, incorporating several of the photos seen on this page. If interested, please read A Macro View of My Garden. I hope you enjoy my photos and websites.

To get contact information or learn about the author and photographer, use this link.

There are now more insect photos on Page 2.


Point to any image for an enlargement
Use the arrow keys to center enlargements
The Preying Mantis is the only insect in the world capable of turning its distinctively triangular-shaped head a full 180 degrees.
Praying Mantis #5968



This is a close-up photo of a syrphid fly, also known as a hover fly.
Syrphid Fly #7407



This is a close-up photo of a katydid nymph.
Katydid Nymph #7289a



This is a close-up photo of a hover fly, also known as a syrphid fly.
Hover Fly #7412



praying mantis
Praying Mantis #4593



This is a close-up photo of a damselfly.
Dragonfly #4554



owl butterfly
Owl Butterfly #3127



As the Praying Mantis grows, it sheds its outer shell to allow it to grow.
Praying Mantis #4561



This is a close-up photo of a Praying Mantis.
Praying Mantis #5975



The Praying Mantis typically hunts for food by ambush - waiting patiently and very still for prey to come within its substantial reach.
Praying Mantis #5986



close-up photo of a butterfly
Butterfly #3137



The Praying Mantis typically hunts for food by ambush - waiting patiently and very still for prey to come within its substantial reach.
Praying Mantis #5969



photo of an owl butterfly
Owl Butterfly #3157



photo of a Honey Bee
Honey Bee #4610



Rice Paper Butterfly
Butterfly #3149



The Praying Mantis has razor sharp spines on its forearms for catching, killing and holding its prey.
Praying Mantis #4517



This is a close-up photo of a Praying Mantis.
Praying Mantis #2



macro photo of a butterfly
Butterfly #3161



The Praying Mantis typically hunts for food by ambush - waiting patiently and very still for prey to come within its substantial reach.
Praying Mantis #5973



butterfly photo
Butterfly #3141



The Praying Mantis
Praying Mantis #5978



butterfly close-up
Butterfly #3147



This is a close-up photo of an Owl Butterfly.
Owl Butterfly #3159



bee and flower
Bee and Flower




Preying Mantis #4539



a close-up photo of a butterfly
Butterfly #6087
This butterfly photo was taken at the Butterfly Conservatory in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada - one of the best of its kind found anywhere.



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Robert Stephens
TheWorldinLight Photographic Gallery
TheWorldinLight@aol-dot-com
(use the word "photos" in subject line, no attachments)


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All photographs are the property of Robert Stephens and TheWorldinLight Photographic Gallery. Unauthorized reproduction or use is prohibited by US copyright law.