I am Dara Ojo, a macro photographer and conservation storyteller based in Edmonton, Canada. Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, my early exposure to biodiversity shaped my deep appreciation for the natural world. However, it wasn’t until the COVID-19 isolation in China that I discovered my passion for macro photography.
What started as a creative escape became a lifelong pursuit of capturing the intricate beauty of arthropods. Through high-resolution photography, I challenge misconceptions and inspire appreciation for these often-overlooked creatures. My work reveals the mesmerizing textures, colors, and behaviors of insects and arachnids—bringing attention to their vital roles in our ecosystems.
My journey has taken me across China, Canada, and Costa Rica, documenting arthropods in their natural habitats. Whether deep in the rainforests or navigating the rugged Canadian wilderness, I aim to bridge the gap between art and science, fostering curiosity and conservation through visual storytelling.
I use macro photography to bridge the gap between art, science, and conservation, revealing the hidden world of arthropods. My goal is to:
Growing up in Lagos, I was drawn to nature’s complexity in unexpected places. That early exposure continues to shape my work. Even the smallest creatures deserve recognition and protection, and through storytelling, I hope to inspire appreciation for their role in our world.
I recently exhibited at the Art Gallery of Alberta (AGA) as part of the Five Artists, One Love exhibition, which ran until March 30, 2025. The show explored cultural identity through photography, and I used the platform to highlight the beauty and ecological significance of arthropods—helping shift perceptions of these often-overlooked creatures.
My work is currently featured in the latest issue of Nature Alberta magazine and will appear on the cover of the Spring 2025 issue, further amplifying the message of arthropod conservation.
In addition, I was featured alongside other scientists in the documentary Bugs That Rule the World, which will premiere on PBS in the United States on May 7, 2025, at 10 PM EST. It will then debut on Love Nature in Canada on June 14, 2025, followed by a global release. The film shares my journey into macro photography and explores the critical role arthropods play in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Beyond exhibitions, I lead macro photography workshops, collaborate with conservation organizations, and engage with schools to introduce students to the hidden world of insects—bridging art, science, and conservation through visual storytelling.
