About WILD MACRO

The guy behind the lens

Christian Brockes (WILD MACRO) is a german wildlife macrophotographer and OM SYSTEM Ambassador best known for his work documenting jumping spiders.
Christian´s unique approach to combine in-situ photography of shy subjects with aspects from portrait/stylized photography results in colourful and intimate imagery of tiny creatures that are almost invisible to the bare eye. His photographs discover and show the beauty of these often overlooked creatures and present their interesting forms, colours and textures.

In recent times, where climate change, habitat loss and the use of pesticide/herbicide threaten a lot of  species, knowledge and understanding may lead to acceptance and respect towards many of these creatures man fears – even on a small scale a change in attitude and perspective can be part of a bigger process. Photographing creatures, that most people have not seen nor known that they existed, documents the immense diversity of nature´s wonders and opens up a new perspective to our urban point-of-view.

The equipment

I get asked a lot about the equipment I use. You can check it below but keep in mind that although image quality can improve with camera or lenses, this is not what will get you a good shot!
I recently switched from full frame DSLR to OM SYSTEM (formerly Olympus) Micro-four-thirds MFT and i am loving it.

In 2023 I became an OM SYSTEM Ambassador.

The approach and ethical macro photography of WILD MACRO

The number one rule is: do not harm any creatures or plants – do not disturb them – do not stress them.

None of the specimens I photograph were harmed or killed during the process. If any dead specimens were involved, for example for extreme stacks, these were found dead already and it is stated in the photo´s caption.
90% of the shots were taken in the field, even if it may not look like that, due to the involvement of colorful backgrounds, which I sometimes bring to the field. Specimens photographed under studio conditions were returned to the exact place where they have been found.

I am a firm opponent of using ice spray, freezing insects or killing them just for the sake of a good shot: if a specimen is not giving me a good opportunity for a good shot I leave without taking one.

Licensing of macro photos, print inquiries, presentations, commissions

If you are interested in licensing any of my macro-photos of spiders & insects for any project please feel free to contact me via email.
In addition to the selected photos presented on WILD MACRO / this website, there are a lot more photos in my archives.
If you are looking for photographic documentation of specific species please get in touch and let us see if I can help.
Prints are also available on individual rates.
I am open to commissioned work/assignments/trips as well, depending on the project and time investment.
I am also available for live presentations on location or via Zoom, skype, youtube.

Please contact me via chris@wildmacro.de for more information and to book.

Published, featured & seen in/on (excerpt):

2024 Special Mention – Small World Category – WildSojourns Nature Awards
2023 Published in World of Insects Calendar 2024 – Entomological Society of America ENTSOC
2023 Finalist (Invertebrate Portraits Category), Shortlisted 2 Photos – Close-Up Photographer of the Year CUPOTY
2023 Exhibited – Black & White Nature at Fülle Gallery, Buenos Aires
2023 Shortlisted 1 Photo – Nature in Focus Photography Awards 2023
2022 Published in World of Insects Calendar 2023 – Entomological Society of America ENTSOC
2022 Shortlisted 2 Photos – Close-Up Photographer of the Year CUPOTY
2021 Highly honored & exhibited (Nairobi) – Benjamin Mkapa African Wildlife Photography Awards – Wildlife:Backyards
2021 Published in World of Insects Calendar 2022 – Entomological Society of America ENTSOC
2021 Shortlisted & exhibited – Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation – Environmental Photography Award – Incredible Wildlife
2021 Highly Commended – Small World Category – Nature TTL Photographer of the Year
2021 Commended (Motion Category), Shortlisted (Colour Category) – WildArt Photographer of the Year
2021 Finalist (Colourful Africa) – Africa´s Photographer of the year (Rhino Africa)
2021 Shortlisted 2 Photos – Close-Up Photographer of the Year CUPOTY
2020 Winner Beetle Category – Luminar Bug Photography Award
2020 3rd Place Insect Homes Category – Luminar Bug Photography Award
2020 Published in World of Insects Calendar 2021 – Entomological Society of America ENTSOC
2020 Shortlisted 3 Photos – Close-Up Photographer of the Year CUPOTY
2019 2nd Place & exhibited – Wunderbare Insektenwelt – UN-Dekade Biologische Vielfalt

Media Coverage on BBC Earth, BBC Wildlife, UNbiodiversity, punkt.erde, NatGeo, GEO, the Guardian

GEO, Wildplanet Photomag, Terramater Magazin, Nature´s Best Photography, chiiz

OM SYSTEM Ambassador

I am very proud and happy to be chosen as an OM SYSTEM Ambassador, representing the brand in macro photography.

Having photographed intensively with OM System gear for the last 2 years, coming from a full frame DSLR setup, I am an absolute converted disciple for the innovative system.
I could not think of a better setup for my very personal approach to high magnification macro photography – especially when it comes to the richness of features, compactness and portability.