Tag Archive | blogging

Ibycter 2013: a year of photos and blogging

IMG_1636

2013 has been a great year for shooting as well as for getting my images out to people who are interested, via this blog! There are so many decent images to choose from, and I am a bit pressed for time right now, so I  will organize the pictures that stood out for me phylogenetically.

Insects

IMG_3685

One of the beautiful Ammophila featured in Ibycter Illustrated. Photographing sleeping Hymenoptera at sunrise gave me a new appreciation for mixing ambient and flash.

IMG_2976

I love the way the dew sparkles on this Lycaenid.

IMG_3794

In 2013, I got to indulge myself with many opportunities to shoot Coelioxys, my favourite Megachilid.

IMG_9762

Using flowers as colourful backdrops was something I explored in the gardens this year.

IMG_4592

Not the best technically, but it was great to come upon this scene of predation between Laphria and Apis. Productive slacking indeed!

IMG_2188

Another Laphria found on a window provided a good long photo session so I could explore lighting against the sky.

IMG_0116

The end result of a syrphid rearing experiment! Feed your syrphid well!

IMG_3873

Some time spent in Victoria in the spring was a good time to revise papers and look for beautiful snakeflies!

This was my favourite of the bunch, with the water droplets adding to the interest.

After this shot, I resolved to shoot more ants, but unfortunately I did not follow through. This was the best ant I shot all year.

IMG_9768

I explored a bit of underwater photography with micro-aquaria, but could use some more practice.

IMG_6987

I got to use the Monster Macro Rig to good effect in lush grasses, where it excels.

IMG_1283-2

And more Coelioxys!

Spiders

IMG_6483

This was a great year for spider photography, and I shot many species, such as this uloborid, Hyptiotes gertschi.

IMG_6198

Although I worked out a hypothetical method for better jumping spider photos, I never put it to use. I got some decent jumper pics nonetheless,

IMG_2200

While exiled in Port Moody, we managed to witness some dramatic spider action.

IMG_0326

Fieldwork at Island View Beach provided a good excuse to shoot black widows and other great animals.

IMG_5800

I managed more than my fair share of crab spider shots, like this one during some time in the community garden.

IMG_5289

This dramatic shot of a Woodlouse Hunter was a big hit.

IMG_1013-2

Some of the studio shots I took of jumpers at Iona were also pretty dramatic. This Habronattus ophrys male was pretty on black.

IMG_9902

Jumpers also stand out on white.

IMG_3806

I found several long philodromids this year, which look elegant stretched out in their concealed mode.

IMG_9351cc2

Following a gravid Cellar Spider was a great lesson in spider reproduction.

Starting to harden up and recover movement.

This molting clack widow was a great treat to see.

(non-human) Vertebrates

IMG_1950

Shooting seals underwater was a highlight late in the year, thanks to aquiring a GoPro.

IMG_1116

Getting out to YVR with the Wildlife Control people was a really fun experience. This molting Peregrine tiercel was one of the better shots I ever got of a peregrine.

IMG_9729

I indulged my crow photography habit more than a little in 2013

IMG_9134

A family of raccoons provided entertainment and photo ops all through the year

duck for blog1

This snapshot of an injured duck led me into some community activism, and was ultimately used in newspapers and at council meetings.

IMG_0568

I git some decent shots during feeding time for some barn swallows.

IMG_0467

This eagle in a cottonwood highlights the gentle light you can get on a bright summer day under the shade of a tree.

IMG_1639

Probably my favourite bird shot this year, this male Annas hummingbird was spectacular in the evening light.

IMG_9165

A studio session with Jasmine the cat provided some ammunition in the war for equality.

IMG_1805-2

These trumpeter swans emerging out of the clouds were also a favourite.

IMG_3718

Sandhill Cranes up close are kinda crazy looking!

IMG_0980

I lost my good friend and adventuring partner this year. Maggie was an awesome dog and I will miss her greatly.

People

IMG_2367

I got out several times with Wild Research on birding trips. This shot of Paul Levsque channeling Steve Zissou was fun.

IMG_8592

The most fun I had with people was some of the outreach we did bringing insects and spiders to kids.

IMG_8664

Antonia with maggot art at the Halloween Spooktacular

IMG_8083

Meeting Alex Wild and others at the ESC in Guelph was an unexpected boost.

IMG_7532

Attending Alex Wild’s insect photography workshop with Mike Hrabar was a great way to start the conference.

IMG_6960

Sometimes going out mushroom hunting with friends is the best cure for the fall blues.

IMG_6713

Catherine Scott, my scientific collaborator and fellow member of Team Caracara has a great smile and killer stats insight.

IMG_4176

Getting out and speaking up for what matters is important. This was shot at the “Stand Up For Science” rally in Vancouver.

IMG_2807

OK, here are several more shots of kids with bugs. What could be more awesome?

IMG_2646

IMG_2650

IMG_6811

People gathered together for Moth Night. A great way to spend a summer evening!

IMG_6940

IMG_3331

Doing Barn Owl work with Sofi was pretty fun. We managed to capture several owls.

IMG_8212

A butterfly outing!

Tavi and Viorel

Tavi and Viorel

IMG_6514

Antonia with a great stonefly!