A Hidden world at the edge of visibility.
Tiny springtails appear to walk across water, revealing delicate patterns, reflections
and unexpected beauty in a universe rarely seen.
I have tried to create a world of my own around springtails — a hidden, almost surreal universe where these tiny creatures appear to walk over water.
Springtails are fascinating micro-animals, captivating through their rich patterns, delicate shapes, and subtle colors. Highly patterned and quite cute, each individual seems to carry its own unique design, making no two subjects exactly alike. Among the species featured in this series, Dicyrtomia stands out to me as particularly photogenic, with its rounded form and striking markings.
Despite being extremely common in nature, very few people are aware of the existence of springtails. Even fewer realize their important role in the ecosystem. These tiny creatures are natural cleaners, helping to break down organic material and keeping their environment in balance.
Photographing springtails is a demanding process. With a body size of roughly 1 millimeter and an unpredictable jump when disturbed, capturing them requires patience and precision. Their jump is powered by a spring-loaded appendage tucked beneath their bodies, known as the furcula, which can launch them out of view in an instant.
The images in this series were created under challenging lighting conditions, using very limited natural daylight combined with artificial light, and occasionally minimal use of flash. Moist leaves often provided small water surfaces, creating delicate reflections beneath the springtails. These reflections enhance their fragile appearance and contribute to the illusion of them walking across water.
All photographs were taken with a Nikon Z6II, using a 105mm f/2.8 S macro lens combined with extension tubes (30–52mm). ISO values ranged between 800 and 6400, with apertures between f/8 and f/14, allowing a careful balance between depth of field and available light.
This series invites the viewer to slow down and explore a world that normally remains unseen — where even the smallest creatures reveal beauty, character, and purpose.
