Macro Photography: Shield Bug

 I've always loved insects and creepy crawlies, and they're one of my favourite things to photograph. I enjoy using the macro on my camera because I can capture detail which is near impossible to see in real life, as it is so small (and bugs tend to move quickly). These are a few of my favourites.

I like that the detail of this one is on the leaves, not the bug, as the light is coming through them, highlighting the veins of the leaves and silhouetting the bug.

 This one I find interesting because of the large patch of blue at the top, which contrasts with the busyness of the rest of the background. I also really like how the green of the leaf is being reflected by the shield bug.

 Sunlight, picking out the colour and texture of the bug's shell.

 I like the brightness in this photo, I haven't altered it in any way, because I quite like the washed-out effect it gives, and the reflection, which makes the shell look almost glittery.

 I like the detail of the shadow.

 I've altered the contrast in this one, so the green is much more vibrant and not as natural, but i like the way it picks out the veins of the leaves and the texture of the bug's shell.

 Cleaning his antenna. From this angle, it's legs remind me of a crab's.

close up of the shell's texture.