by Yvette Depaepe
Published the 1^st of December 2025

Miron Karlinsky’s superb macro photographs reveal the beauty and complexity of creatures that most people try to avoid or eliminate. By showcasing their perfection and beauty, he aims to inspire a change in how we perceive them. He says: ‘While the key qualities of a successful macro photographer are likely similar to those of any good photographer, there’s one key difference: macro photography is rarely driven by profit. Instead, it is fueled by a deep love of nature and a genuine, selfless passion for discovery”.

‘Longhorn beetle’

Dear Miron, firstly, I would like to thank you for taking the time to answer this questionnaire. Could you please start by introducing yourself briefly, telling us about your hobbies, and describing any other projects you are involved in?

Hello, I'm Miron Karlinsky and I'm 65 years old. I am a pediatrician by profession. I have been passionate about it for 43 years.

When and how did you start your photographic journey?

I still sometimes remember sitting with my dad in the dark, illuminated by a red lantern and mesmerized by the miracle of an image slowly appearing on photographic paper. I've always enjoyed taking photos of my family and friends. For the last 15 years or so, I’ve also been doing macro and landscape photography.

‘Antlion’

‘Eucera bees’

‘Vestrahorn, Iceland’

For many of us, photography is a hobby or a way of life. So, how would you describe your relationship with photography?

My profession as a doctor can be quite structured and limiting by nature, but photography gives me the freedom to explore, create, and experiment. It complements medicine beautifully and holds an important place in my life.

‘Mantis’

‘Dasypoda bee’

Which experience has had the greatest influence on your journey in photography so far?

For me, the most meaningful experience has been connecting with other photographers, exchanging ideas, learning from each other and offering mutual support. This has had the greatest influence on my growth.

You have a unique style. What draws you to insect macro photography in particular?

There were several reasons why I was drawn to macro photography, but two stood out. Firstly, it's technically challenging. Secondly, it's like going on safari without leaving home.

‘Jumping spider’

Untitled

‘The night fairy’

Do you value the mood or story behind your images more than technical perfection?

I know some people prioritize mood, story and technical perfection in that order. I don't do that; I view photography as a whole. When I first saw the paintings of Velázquez and Goya as a child, I noticed that Goya's were riddled with cracks, whereas Velázquez's paintings, which were created years earlier, looked significantly better. They were both great artists, but you also need to prepare the canvas properly.

‘Bee flies. Edgar Degas’

Untitled

‘Robber Flies’

What is your relationship with your subject matter beyond simply observing it?

My macro photographs reveal the beauty and complexity of creatures that most people try to avoid or eliminate. By showcasing their perfection, complexity and beauty, I aim to inspire a change in how we perceive them.

Untitled

‘Argiope’

Do you carefully select the locations at which you intend to take photographs?

I don't prepare the shooting location; I just choose it. Good light and no wind are important to me.

What is your overall vision for your photography?

In art and photography, I value mastery. I define this as a photograph being the work of a master if it is difficult to replicate after viewing it. This is not because it depicts a rare event, a unique object or an unusual angle. It is difficult to replicate because a master's work requires extensive self-improvement. Of course, I also like photographs that depict an idea; they're witty. However, anyone can replicate a joke — you just have to be the first. That's also a kind of mastery.

Untitled

‘Robber fly’

‘Burnet butterfly’

What characteristics, in your opinion, are essential for a photographer to be successful when taking macro photographs?

While the key qualities of a successful macro photographer are likely similar to those of any good photographer, there’s one key difference: macro photography is rarely driven by profit. Instead, it is fueled by a deep love of nature and a genuine, selfless passion for discovery.

Could you tell us more about your creative process, from the initial idea to the finished product? And where do you look for inspiration, and what inspires you the most?

To be honest, I don't actively seek inspiration. I just go into the forest or a field and take photos. Then I go home, review the photos, select the best ones, and start editing them. I've always liked the words of Pablo Picasso: 'When art historians get together, they talk about form, structure and meaning. But when artists get together, they talk about where to buy cheap turpentine.'

Many people believe that gear is unimportant if you're passionate about photography. Could you please tell us what equipment you use, such as your camera, lenses, lighting and tripod?

I don't agree with this point of view. Of course, a professional can use different equipment, but it's as important as any other working tool. For many years, I used Canon equipment, and my favourite lens was the Canon MP-E 65. I now use the Fuji system (Fuji X-H2 + Fuji 80 mm macro) and shoot exclusively from a tripod because I use focus stacking. I only use natural lighting in my photographs.

Which is your favourite photo? Please tell us the story behind it.

I have many favourite photos; they're not necessarily the best, just the most memorable. Among the most recent, there's a rather standard image of a stink bug that I took a few days before my heart attack and subsequent surgery. Looking at it, I'm reminded to try and do everything as if it were my last time. Who knows what will happen tomorrow?

Who are your favourite photographers or mentors whose work has influenced you, and why?

As a photographer is shaped by their social circle, which, thanks to the internet, is now very broad, it's hard for me to name a mentor. I can say, however, that I'm very grateful to my macro friends for the time they've given me. Of my favourite photographers, I'd single out André De Kesel. I don't shoot in a studio, so I'm not including his studio work, which is also good.

Now that we're almost at the end of the interview, could you tell us about any photography projects you'd like to be involved in?

I would love to take part in nature photography projects, and I'm open to suggestions.

Is there anything else you would like to add? What do you think about using 1X to showcase your work?

I would like to thank the 1X community for giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts on photography, even if only briefly. I wish you all good health, peace and prosperity, and happy shooting!

‘Bee fly’

‘Beewolf’

‘Carmen’