As I’ve aged, my goals and interests have changed in regards to my love of the outdoors.
I used to hike and run to tally up the miles while outside and that fulfilled me. Now, with knees that have taken the brunt of those miles, I’ve slowed down to take it all in. With macro photography, I can be stationary in a field for hours and still manage to take hundreds of pictures. I’ve literally pulled off the side of the road to take pictures of a spider in a ditch.
I’ve tried wildlife photography and while I reserve all rights to try and continue trying, my ADHD brain struggles with the patience needed to wait for the wildlife to come to me.
With my camera set up for macro, I can wander and find amazing worlds and their inhabitants anywhere I go. The statement is overused, but it is true that there are little worlds right under our noses and I’m happy to be experiencing them through my photography.
I was not even aware of the existence of Jagged Ambush bugs until the beginning of summer 2023.
These little predators are a rather perfect subject for a beginner macro photographer because they are mainly stationary, choosing to remain camouflaged and immobile. And isn’t this the first hurdle for insect photography? If your subject is likely to startle, then you are more likely to walk away with a great shot. This is especially true for the Jagged Ambush Bug nymphs. The white aster flowers were an exceptional spot for their tiny white bodies to lie in wait for their prey.
This unfortunate hover fly was nabbed and with proboscis extended, the ambush bug began its meal.
I long for summer when I can again, take to the fields, woods, creeks and spy on the macro world of bugs and plants.