Insects are incredibly delicate and easily damaged, and particularly vulnerable when they’re torpid, hatching or laying eggs. They might be small and considered a bit creepy by some, but invertebrates still deserve complete respect and, just like our feathered and furry subjects, their wellbeing is more important than our photos.
There is some abhorrent and unethical behaviour practised by a handful of macro photographers that include restraining, refrigerating, spraying, pinning, and even killing subjects to achieve their shots. This simply isn’t acceptable – nature photographers have a responsibility to their subjects. Ideally, handling subjects should be avoided, or certainly kept to a minimum. And don’t take photos if doing so might cause damage or distress, consequential predation, or reduced reproductive success.
All of my photos are taken outdoors, in situ…
