Chasing Nature's Vibration ............

(It is now May 2025. For various reasons, I haven't posted any photos here for a couple years, but I am back! Along with new ones, I will slowly be editing and posting lots of old photos that I never got around to editing, or that I just didn't post here. I will no longer be watermarking my photos, as I have done in the past. I have only recently learned that this is a controversial topic. In reading the arguments for and against using watermarks, I have concluded that I feel I have evolved from using them, and that it just distracts from the essence of the photograph. Until I decide to go back and re-edit all my photos with removal of the watermark, and re-posting, I will just implement the change here on out. So, my photostream here, will consist of both watermarked, and non-watermarked photos. (I always save my original files from my cameras - they are copyrighted and extensively backed-up.)

I'm from Pennsylvania. I always like to say that I am a photographer of emotion, not of technical skills. I capture feelings. My favorite photo moments transport me back in time, to the place and time I snapped the photo. I share because I want everyone to see the world that I am seeing behind my lens, in hopes that more people will come to know, love, and protect the natural world - seeing its vital role for healthy ecosystems, and to us as humans. I hope to portray the sense of awe that I am feeling when viewing my subjects.

My love for photography began, when in 2009, I purchased a Sony Cybershot point and shoot camera with just 10.1 megapixels. Turns out it was a little beast, with amazing macro capability. I started by taking close-ups of flowers, stunned by the intricate detail when viewed up close. As I started viewing my photos on the larger screen of my laptop, I began noticing insects on the flowers, that I hadn't noticed as I was taking the photograph. It has been a love affair ever since, with insects truly becoming my favorite subject, (although I love birds too, and beautiful landscapes). I've since upgraded from my Sony Cybershot, but it will always hold a special place in my heart, for introducing me to this amazing little world.

My go to camera after the Sony Cybershot, has always been my beloved Pentax K30. I use only the Pentax DA 35mm F2.8 Macro Limited lens for macro, and only the Sigma 150-500mm for birding. These are the only lenses I use, and I have had both for what seems like forever. Two years ago, my K30 acquired the infamous "black death". At the end of 2024, I purchased the Sony A6400, which is amazing, but I have yet to acquire a macro lens for it, and I found myself really missing my Pentax K30, which has become an extension of my limbs! I was thrilled when I recently found another Pentax K30, which I was able to purchase for under $200. My heart is singing, with the excitement of getting back out and photographing my favorite subjects - insects! So, moving forward, I will be photographing with a combination of the Sony A6400, and my ever-beloved Pentax K30. I also occasionally shoot with a Nikon Coolpix point and shoot.

I set very high standards for myself - keeping my photos original (and organic - no staging or disturbing of my subjects of course!), - with only light cropping and possibly adding a bit of sharpness if needed. I use PicMonkey for this.

I'm certainly not an identification expert. I just do LOADS of research and I utilize iNaturalist and BugGuide, and my hands-down favorite reference book - Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America, by Eric R. Eaton and Kenn Kaufman. This book has been a constant companion. I'm always open to corrections in my identifications. I currently only have my photos here but am working on starting a website and/or blog. I'm still deciding on which platform(s) to use. In the past, I had a Facebook page called "Nature's Vibration." I also had a website but wasn't happy with it. I've done various photography shows, won a local photography contest, judged a local photography contest and have displayed my work at different local businesses.

Nature has been my greatest teacher, and I am forever amazed, not only with the wealth of knowledge gained just by reading about the subject behind my lens, but by the complex and detailed beauty that most times can't be seen with the naked eye. Always take a closer at everything. Get to know nature, in all its beauty, brutality and complexity. The leaves and the flowers are supporting this whole other world, just waiting to be discovered and appreciated. Forget about vast sprawling green lawns. Life is found in the wild areas.

More and more, I want to create a little backyard haven for the birds, pollinators and all the other beneficial insects - as our backyard and garden is where most of my insect photos are taken - by planting more native plant species and allowing for the wild areas - as this is where life is supported and can overwinter.

My latest inspirational obsession! In 2020, Martin Dohrn transformed/rewilded his backyard in Bristol England, into a haven for the small things - insects. His focus here is on the bees, where he even created a "bee city", and follows a leafcutter bee he named Nicky. This is probably one of the most moving short films I've seen. I've now watched it at least three times. I love his closing lines: "I had no idea that I was going to get so involved, if that's the word, with an individual insect. It's changed my view of insects altogether. It's changed my view of the world altogether. " www.youtube.com/watch?v=YW-dVOgy48o&t=7s

@ Nature's Vibration, Nature's Vibration by Desra Lea, Desra Lea Photography. Pennsylvania, USA. All Rights Reserved. Original photos are saved, copyrighted and extensively backed-up. **I do not give permission to use my photos. They are for my use within my home state of Pennsylvania and for my shows. ** (Unless of course I know you within this community (message me!) and give permission. :) ) ** Thank you!