The best portrait photographers get to know their subjects and capture not just their images but also their auras.

Joseph Ferraro does that, too, but for bugs.

Closer: A look at the tiny world around us exhibition at Matthaei Botanical Gardens showcases Ferraro's macro photographs of his favorite subjects, highlighting the immense natural beauty of the many small things all around us.

"To me, the little things matter," Ferraro writes in his artist's statement for Closer:

Through my work as a photographer, I share the unseen and overlooked world of nature that surrounds us. My focus is exploring the world of invertebrates and showcasing these creatures in their natural habitat.

My creative process has evolved into a moving meditation, as I slow down to observe, document, and connect with my subjects as we interact in the environment. Ultimately, I seek to capture the unique beauty of creatures not usually perceived as beautiful and aim to create images that evoke emotion and curiosity. In so doing, I strive to raise awareness of the importance of these creatures in our world and dispel any fears the viewer may have.

The pollinators, winged creatures, and invertebrates featured in Ferraro's photos can look unremarkable from a distance—the span between a six-foot-tall human looking down at a moth on the ground, for instance. But up close, Ferraro's camera captures the colors, textures, and auras with depth, drama, and wonder.

"Using the knowledge I’ve obtained while observing insects, I look for their individual personalities, their habits, the right angle, and the perfect moment to showcase them in their own environment," Ferraro wrote on his website.

The large-scale images in Closer: A look at the tiny world around us capture many perfect moments of beauty.

The Detroit-based Ferraro came to the Ann Arbor District Library's Pittsfield location on August 24, 2025, to discuss macro photography:

"Closer: A look at the tiny world around us" exhibition is at Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 North Dixboro Road, Ann Arbor, through November 23. Entrance is free. Visit instagram.com/josephferraro for more images.