About Big Little Insects
My name is Paul Kämpf, and I photograph insects in extreme close-up to reveal details that are barely visible to the naked eye. I’m interested in structures, surfaces, colors, and forms — exactly the elements that make these animals so extraordinary.
My work moves between nature documentation and visual composition. The insects are not just shown; they are presented in a way that makes their bodies appear like landscapes, patterns, or almost abstract forms. The goal is to offer a new perspective on a world that is often overlooked.
Insects are not minor characters in nature — they are perfectly adapted, fascinating living beings with an immense diversity of design. Making this beauty in detail visible is at the heart of my photography.
Technique & Process
Most of my images are created using a technique called focus stacking. At this extreme close range, depth of field — even at a small aperture — is only a fraction of a millimeter. A single photo would render only a tiny part of the insect sharp while the rest fades into blur.
Instead of taking just one image, the subject is photographed in many individual shots. The camera moves through the subject in minimal increments, often resulting in dozens to hundreds of images — sometimes even more for larger subjects. Each shot captures a different plane of focus.
Specialized software then combines these images into a single photograph. The result is an image that is sharp from front to back, revealing details that would otherwise remain hidden.
The Challenges
This technique is demanding and highly sensitive:
The extremely shallow depth of field requires movements with micrometer precision.
Even the slightest vibration or movement of the subject can cause errors.
Exposure must remain perfectly consistent across all shots to avoid brightness shifts.
Reflections on glossy surfaces (such as beetle shells) are difficult to control and require soft, diffused lighting.
Result
The final image is not a single captured moment, but a construction made from many exposures. This creates an exceptional level of detail and a resolution far beyond that of a single photograph. Structures, hairs, compound eyes, and surfaces begin to resemble landscapes.
The technique ultimately serves one purpose:
to make a world visible that would otherwise remain hidden.
Publications
Some of my work has been published in various media, including:
Stern (click here)
National Geographic Kids
Foto-Hits (click here)
GEO (corporate publishing magazine for toom DIY stores)
as well as other nature- and photography-related publications
For me, these publications are above all a meaningful confirmation that the detailed portrayal of insects resonates beyond photography itself — both in scientific and in visual or artistic contexts.
If you are interested in a collaboration or publication, I would be pleased to hear from you.
Get in touch
Contact
Questions, orders, or just want to say hello?
Are you looking for a custom size, a collage, a print on a specific material, or do you have another idea? Feel free to get in touch — individual requests are always welcome.
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