Photographing Some Bugs by Noelle Hanek
During this strange and frightening time I had to adjust by finding more activities to keep me busy. So it all started when I was sitting casually outside after taking a walk. "What should I do now?" I thought to myself. Then I saw my phone and it hit me. I should do some nature photography! And that is exactly what I did.
You see, I used to take photographs all the time, I have a ton scattered throughout my camera roll. I have so many pretty pictures from places I went to, but I also have a lot from the outdoors. Unfortunatly, I have not been keeping up, especially since I haven't been going anywhere these last few months. I remembered how fun it was doing this, so on May 27th I decided to continue taking nature photos to add to my collection!
A quick disclaimer, I never said I was a top notch photographer necessarily. It is just a hobby of mine! I do not have a professional camera or adobe photoshop; from taking photography in freshman year I learned the amazing creations that can be made. However I was able to capture some pretty pictures with my trusty iphone camera.
But this time something else happend. Instead of capturing the usual photo of a flower, bird or plant, I decided to switch it up that day, and to take photos of cool bugs. A lot of the bugs I found are stereotypical "scary" bugs that I admit I am a little afraid of myself. Here is what I got!
It had me wondering-why are so many people petrified of bugs? Here is what I have learned: Studies have found that insects are unappealing to the human eye because they are so different in their appearance and structure. Humans may be naturally repelled by these creatures similarly to how we are repelled by rotten food-if there is a chance it may hurt us then it is best to avoid it. This is because many insects may carry disease or be somewhat harmful to certain people such as bee stings. Additionally, from a young age we are told how insects can cause harm such as infestations, and have the potential to bite. Also many of us have learned the hard way(like me) that bugs do have defense mechanisms to protect themselves when threatened.
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-fear-of-insects-2671770
https://www.bustle.com/p/why-were-afraid-of-bugs-according-to-science-57692
I personally find smaller bugs more scary because they can easily jump on you and disappear. It is weird because for me I am afraid of most spiders, but when it comes to tarantulas I find them cute looking. It may be because I had a positive experience with them as a kid where I got to hold one, and I realized how delicate she was. I believe if more people were exposed to these animals at a young age, in an educational way, it would diminish the widespread fear of them. I believe education is key to overcoming our fears.
Anyways, I found photographing these little guys to be a fun and interesting experience. Taking these types of photos makes bugs less scary to me by seeing them in action in their environment. They are all playing a role in the ecosystem and when observing them behind my phone screen, I can really appreciate their beauty. I am glad I got the opportunity to take up this hobby again, so next time I am bored I know what to do!
You see, I used to take photographs all the time, I have a ton scattered throughout my camera roll. I have so many pretty pictures from places I went to, but I also have a lot from the outdoors. Unfortunatly, I have not been keeping up, especially since I haven't been going anywhere these last few months. I remembered how fun it was doing this, so on May 27th I decided to continue taking nature photos to add to my collection!
A quick disclaimer, I never said I was a top notch photographer necessarily. It is just a hobby of mine! I do not have a professional camera or adobe photoshop; from taking photography in freshman year I learned the amazing creations that can be made. However I was able to capture some pretty pictures with my trusty iphone camera.
But this time something else happend. Instead of capturing the usual photo of a flower, bird or plant, I decided to switch it up that day, and to take photos of cool bugs. A lot of the bugs I found are stereotypical "scary" bugs that I admit I am a little afraid of myself. Here is what I got!
It had me wondering-why are so many people petrified of bugs? Here is what I have learned: Studies have found that insects are unappealing to the human eye because they are so different in their appearance and structure. Humans may be naturally repelled by these creatures similarly to how we are repelled by rotten food-if there is a chance it may hurt us then it is best to avoid it. This is because many insects may carry disease or be somewhat harmful to certain people such as bee stings. Additionally, from a young age we are told how insects can cause harm such as infestations, and have the potential to bite. Also many of us have learned the hard way(like me) that bugs do have defense mechanisms to protect themselves when threatened.
https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-fear-of-insects-2671770
https://www.bustle.com/p/why-were-afraid-of-bugs-according-to-science-57692
I personally find smaller bugs more scary because they can easily jump on you and disappear. It is weird because for me I am afraid of most spiders, but when it comes to tarantulas I find them cute looking. It may be because I had a positive experience with them as a kid where I got to hold one, and I realized how delicate she was. I believe if more people were exposed to these animals at a young age, in an educational way, it would diminish the widespread fear of them. I believe education is key to overcoming our fears.
Anyways, I found photographing these little guys to be a fun and interesting experience. Taking these types of photos makes bugs less scary to me by seeing them in action in their environment. They are all playing a role in the ecosystem and when observing them behind my phone screen, I can really appreciate their beauty. I am glad I got the opportunity to take up this hobby again, so next time I am bored I know what to do!
The photo of the centipede (I think) is so cool! Major props for being able to get so up close and personal with these creatures. (On a side note, I will never understand how or why you find tarantulas to be even the remotest semblance of cute.)
ReplyDeleteThese photos are fantastic! Well done!
ReplyDelete