So You Want to be a Bug Photographer

Photography is an inherent part of pollinator advocacy. Knowing who visits what plant, and where, matters. Why someone pursues the craft differs from person to person. Tony Dickey takes you through his path to bug photography and beyond — discovering where the bugs are has taken him in unexpected directions. While he recalls his journey, he'll also share a bit of guidance about enhancing your skills or exploring new ones.

When Tony Dickey takes pictures at a location, he now hears, "I was hoping to see you again this year." You will also see him tabling at public events, sharing his and other photographers' pollinator pics. He loves talking about bees and other pollinators because he really wants people to know that helping these essential denizens of our ecosystems often requires just a bit of effort to produce long-term effects.

Like many native bee enthusiasts, his interest began with non-native…