What's Bugging Me

William Wise Photo Nature Notes is a wildlife, birding and nature photography blog documenting the beauty, design and wonder of God’s creation. -- "What a wildly wonderful world, God! You made it all, with Wisdom at Your side, made earth overflow with your wonderful creations." Psalms 104 The Message

Giant Stag Beetle, Lucanus elaphus, is found in eastern North America. Lucanidae have large mandibles that resemble deer antlers. Photographed in Walton County, Georgia, United States; June 9, 2020.

“I’m not much of a bug guy.” Yep, I said that. A few months back I made that statement when emailing a photographer friend. And he throws it back in my face in jest each time I post a new insect shot! However, I really can’t help it when these bugs keep crawling, flying or landing right in front of my lens! But what’s really bugging me is how much a new photography interest can cost.

Beautiful Widow Skimmer Dragonfly, Libellula luctuosa, near a pond in Walton County, Georgia. A common king skimmer found throughout the United States. June 5, 2020.

I started off in the ‘90s as a reptile fanatic, mostly snakes and alligators. My 300mm lens was just fine for many years. Then in 2015, my eyes were opened to the world of birds. And, of course, I had to buy more equipment! I had to get that super-telephoto to give me the reach. And certainly I had to have more frames-per-second, so a higher end DSLR was “needed”.

Big brown Carolina Grasshopper, Dissosteira carolina, is one of the largest grasshoppers in North America. Also called Carolina Locust, Black-winged grasshopper, or Road Duster. Grasshoppers and locusts may cause farm crop damage and impact agricultural industry. Photographed in Georgia USA.

So I’m sure if this “bug photography” stuff continues, I’ll be looking to buy more macro-lenses and whatever else might go along with insect photography. Then what’s next? Drones? Camera traps? But hey, other hobbies can be just as expensive, right?!

Giant Stag Beetle, Lucanus elaphus, is found in eastern North America. Lucanidae have large mandibles that resemble deer antlers. Photographed in Walton County, Georgia, United States; June 9, 2020.

Giant Stag Beetle, Lucanus elaphus, is found in eastern North America. Lucanidae have large mandibles that resemble deer antlers. Photographed in Walton County, Georgia, United States; June 9, 2020.

Giant Stag Beetle, Lucanus elaphus, is found in eastern North America. Lucanidae have large mandibles that resemble deer antlers. Photographed in Walton County, Georgia, United States; June 9, 2020.