David Hamilton: Seeing Scotland Through a Macro Lens

Macro photographer David Hamilton (aka @weemadbeasties) is best known for revealing the hidden insects found in Glasgow’s parks, canals, and overlooked urban spaces. What began as a lockdown experiment using improvised equipment has grown into a career that spans international travel, conservation work, and collaborations with National Geographic, Disney, and the BBC.

Through his highly detailed images, Hamilton challenges the idea that extraordinary wildlife only exists in remote locations, and shows us that remarkable biodiversity thrives right on our doorstep. Read on to hear how David began his journey into macro photography, the importance of urban conservation, and why paying attention to the smallest forms of life can change how we see the world around us.

I originally came from a landscape photography background, spending a lot of time shooting mountains and outdoor scenes. When lockdown hit in 2020, travel restrictions made that almost impossible. During that time, I came across an article explaining how you could shoot close-up images using non-macro equipment with a few affordable adapters. That really caught my attention. Living just 50 yards from Ruchill Park in Glasgow, a small city park that had been left relatively wild, I suddenly had the perfect opportunity to try something completely new right on my doorstep. 

I actually started out using non-macro equipment, experimenting with affordable adapters to achieve close-up shots. It was very much a trial and error process, learning how far I could push basic gear. Since then, my technique and equipment, having been taken on as an OmSystems Ambassador, have evolved significantly as I refined my approach, allowing me to consistently produce high-quality, highly detailed images suitable for both scientific recording and broadcast media. 

I think a big part of it is showing people something they didn’t even realise existed. A lot of the feedback I get is along the lines of, “I never knew we had anything like this in Scotland.” By photographing local insects in a detailed, artistic way, I’m revealing a hidden world that people walk past every day without noticing. There’s also something powerful about knowing these images were taken in city parks, canals, and overlooked urban spaces rather than exotic rainforests. 

While I’ve been lucky enough to photograph insects in places like Asia, Ecuador the USA, and across Europe, Glasgow will always be where it started and remains the most meaningful to me. Without beginning locally, I would never have developed the skills or awareness to appreciate those more exotic species. Some of the most rewarding moments have actually come from discovering rare or previously unrecorded species right here in the city.

Ruchill Park has been hugely important to my work. It’s a small urban park, but I’ve documented close to 1,000 species there alone. Another favourite is the Hamiltonhill Claypits, a former post industrial site in Glasgow that has undergone rewilding. Seeing life return to places like that really highlights what’s possible with local conservation efforts. 

Those opportunities came about organically through social media. I’ve been fortunate to work with a range of outlets, from Blue Peter to National Geographic and Disney’s A Real Bug’s Life, where I helped shoot character insects. I’ve also appeared on the BBC Nine Show to talk about my work. It’s been an honor to showcase insects and urban biodiversity to such wide audiences, especially knowing it all started in a small Glasgow park. 

Our macro tours give you the opportunity to immerse yourself and explore incredible locations, guided by a world-class team of photographers and biologists. It doesn’t matter whether you’re new to macro photography or a seasoned pro, our tours are designed to elevate your craft, ignite your creativity, and deliver unforgettable encounters with extraordinary species. The tours give you the opportunity to capture species few photographers have ever seen, guided by experts who know exactly where to look, and master macro techniques with personal guidance. This year I will be in Malaysia/Singapore and France shooting and doing tours, and next year we’re planning on hosting a tour in Columbia.

You don’t need to travel far or have exotic subjects to get started. Some of the most incredible discoveries can be made in city parks, gardens, or along canals. Start local, be patient, and really take the time to observe what’s around you. There’s far more life out there than most people realise. 

One of the biggest challenges is just how demanding macro photography is in terms of conditions and timing, especially in Scotland. The short season, harsh weather, and declining insect populations make opportunities increasingly limited. Beginners often don’t realise how much patience and persistence is required. 

My focus on urban biodiversity led me to collaborate with Glasgow University on their Insect Corridor Gallant program. Through documenting species and encouraging others to do the same, I’ve been able to contribute to citizen science and conservation efforts. Discovering rare species in the city, including one never previously recorded in Scotland, really shows the importance of paying attention to these overlooked environments. 

I hope people develop a sense of appreciation and curiosity for the small things. Insects are often ignored or disliked, but when you see their detail and beauty up close, it changes how you relate to them. Ultimately, I want people to care more about what’s living alongside them and understand why protecting it matters.

While I’ve photographed some very exotic species abroad, my focus remains on continuing to uncover what’s still undiscovered locally. There’s always the possibility that the next incredible find is right around the corner, even in the middle of a city.

A huge thank you to David for taking the time to chat with us about all things macro photography. It's fascinating stuff. If you're inspired to give it a try yourself, then be sure to tag us @meanderapparel, and David @weemadbeasties!

Don't forget to drop @weemadbeasties a follow on Instagram, where you can stay up to date with his incredible finds, tours, and workshops.