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Photographer celebrates tiny creatures with impressive close -ups
This photographer celebrates small creatures with fascinating close -ups. Dara Ojo uses macro photography to show the beauty and meaning of insects and to draw attention to their protection.
Photographer celebrates tiny creatures with impressive close -ups
Dara Ojo used to be anxious towards spiders, especially in front of the biting, toxic species. But times have changed. The photographer is not only ready to approach the different Arachnids very close, but is also passionate about the protection of insects through his work.
the passion for macro photography
Ojo, 34 years old, is a master of macro photography - extreme close -ups that show the animal kingdom in its strange, beautiful splendor. "Every time I photograph an insect, I am thrilled, curious and fascinated by the art and details of its structure," said Ojo in a zoom interview.
a preserving storyteller
For the photographer, who describes himself as a storyteller for nature conservation, it is about "steering the light on these small details, simply overlooking people because they are small." Ojo, who was born in Lagos, Nigeria and now lives in Canada, had his first experience with photography as a child when he used his father's camera, a Nikon. He photographed birds, snakes, frogs and other creatures. Later, while he taught English in China, he began to photograph insects during the Lockdown to escape boredom.
Learn the art of macro photography
Ojo learned macro photography through YouTube tutorials and took part in a course entitled "Bugs 101: Insect-Human Interactions" in the University of Alberta in Canada. In 2020 his first macrobild of a rel = "Nofollow" Target = "_ blank" href = "https://www.instagram.com/p/cb2rp5xai_z/?utm_source=ig_web_link_link&igsh=mzrlodbinwflza%3D"> Libelle . Two years later, his photos of a white striped Hirschkäfers , which were recorded in China.
The fascination of the unknown
The beetle typically measures between 20 and 40 mm, but Ojo's image of the insect conveys the feeling that it would be human and has an impressive, at the same time fascinating attitude. His eyes look like speakers, and details that are not visible with the naked eye, like its microscopic facial hair, come into their own here.
influence and recognition
His work is widespread on the Internet and some Instagram posts have reached almost a million views. Also the deputy general secretary of the UN, Amina J. Mohammed, to mark biodiversity in 2025.
The challenges of fame
However, recognition also causes pressure. "Now that my eyes are aimed at me worldwide, I have to put the bar higher with every new picture. In addition, as a black person, I feel as a model and vote for People of Color, which are often not seen in this area. So I can't relax," he says.
impressive series of pictures
Some of his most striking images show the Heuschrecke Facial features. Also a pair of wolf spiders, the a frog eats , is one of his impressive shots.
A call to nature conservation
Ojo explains: "I am amazed by you when I take pictures. I see in you how God is a perfect designer and that we have to protect you." He has over 40 types of spiders , 50 moths , more than 30 butterfly species , over 20 dragonflies and at least damselflies . He is particularly concerned with the situation of the bees because they are rare and threatened, even though they are decisive for our survival through pollination. ”
a new chapter in photography
His work is now in " insect apocalypse ", the first episode of the documentation " Bugs that Rule the world ", shown, which is broadcast in the USA and Canada. The four -part series focuses on the decline in insects and its negative effects on the ecosystem and human life and contains photos that Ojo took in Costa Rica.
future plans and professional duality
Ojo plans to publish the first illustrated book of his works in 2026 and would like to publish three more volumes in the next five years. Although photography is not its main activity, he works as a data analyst at the University of Alberta and has an MBA in information technology from Edge Hill University in the United Kingdom.
technological advantages in photography
OJO uses its technical background to optimally process the pictures. The best recordings usually succeed at night or early in the morning when the insects sleep or rest. It takes several photos with different depth sharpness and combines them with special software so that the entire insect is shown sharply. He then processes the pictures digitally, mainly to improve the colors.
an engagement for nature conservation
Although he occasionally sells deductions of his photographs, his main concern is awareness of his motifs. The insect populations worldwide are in danger. For many of the spiders he once feared, numerous species are classified as very threatened. "The main goal is to reveal the beauty of insects and other small creatures with my pictures," he says. First he attracts people, then he divides a message to nature conservation and hopes that they will be active.
"When people are enthusiastic about the pictures, they become curious and develop compassion to protect them."