Macro Photography Captures the Delicate Dance of Mantises in Malaysia

Mantis Macro Photography

Macro photographer Pang Way captures the delicate dance-like movements of a variety of mantis species. From an up-close point of view, he depicts the insects as they balance on their long legs with wings splayed in a fan-like fashion. We’re able to admire all of their incredible characteristics, from the brilliant coloring to the delicate webbing over their wings. It offers a new appreciation for these elegant creatures that live throughout the world.

Although mantises are everywhere, Way is based in Malaysia and focuses on the species there. “Because Malaysia is a rainforest country,” he tells My Modern Met, “we can easily find lots of special subjects in the forest.” Most of his photos are snapped in the wild, but there are times when he’ll use studio lighting to get a special effect for his larger subjects.

Regardless of whether on site or in studio, the results are as illuminating for him as they are for the viewer; education is one of the primary goals of his photography. “My aim is to shoot and document as many species of insects, bugs, and spiders as possible to improve my knowledge in terms of basic entomology, identification, and habitat study.”

Scroll down to admire Way’s work. To see what he’s photographing next, follow him on Instagram.

Macro photographer Pang Way captures the delicate dance-like movements of a variety of mantis species in Malaysia.

Mantis Macro Photography

Mantis Macro Photography

Mantis Macro Photography

From an up-close point of view, he depicts the insects as they balance on their long legs with wings splayed in a fan-like fashion.

Mantis Macro Photography

Mantis Macro Photography

We’re able to admire all of their incredible characteristics, from the brilliant coloring to the delicate webbing over their wings.

Mantis Macro Photography

Mantis Macro Photography

Mantis Macro Photography

Mantis Macro Photography

Mantis Macro Photography

It offers a new appreciation for these elegant creatures that live throughout the world.

Mantis Macro Photography

Mantis Macro Photography

Mantis Macro Photography

Mantis Macro Photography

Mantis Macro Photography

“My aim is to shoot and document as many species of insects, bugs, and spiders as possible,” Way tells My Modern Met, “to improve my knowledge in terms of basic entomology, identification, and habitat study.”

Mantis Macro Photography

Mantis Macro Photography

Pang Way: Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Pang Way.

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Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met and Manager of My Modern Met Store. She is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art where she earned her BFA in Illustration and MFA in Illustration Practice. Sara is also an embroidery illustrator and writer living in Seattle, Washington. She runs Bear&Bean, a studio where she stitches pet portraits and other beloved creatures. She chronicles the creativity of others through her website Brown Paper Bag and newsletter, Orts. Her latest book is Threads of Treasure: How to Make, Mend, and Find Meaning Through Thread, published in 2014. Sara’s work has been recognized in Be Creative With Workbox, Embroidery Magazine, American Illustration, on Iron and Wine’s album Beast Epic, among others. When she’s not stitching or writing, Sara enjoys planning things that bring together the craft community. She is the co-founder of Camp Craftaway, a day camp for crafty adults with hands-on workshops in the Seattle area.
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