Photographically Speaking, I Challenge Myself
The one good way to stay alert and engrossed in one's photographic journey is to challenge the boundaries and look to push envelopes.
Wide Angle Macro Photography
When I think about the images I’ve taken over the past eight years in Okinawa, I realize how often I’ve returned to the same species again and again. So many times I've photographed Kuroiwa’s Ground Gecko, the Okinawa Rail, the infamous Habu species, and numerous others—I’ve captured them countless times. Don't get me wrong, I’ve loved every opportunity, but I've also started to recognize that some of my compositions risk slipping into the realm of cliché. This is the challenge of working in a place where the iconic species are both rare and limited in variety, to an extent: the temptation to repeat what already works. As a photographer, though, I feel an obligation to push beyond repetition, to find new ways to portray familiar subjects so that their beauty and uniqueness never become stale. That’s where Wide Angle Macro Photography comes into play for me.
The stunning eyes of the Kuroiwas Ground Gecko, and now you can see why it's one of my favorites.
The power of wide angle macro lies in its ability to simultaneously highlight the intimate detail of a subject while situating it within its environment. Instead of an isolated portrait against a blurred background, I can show the gecko in its mossy crevice, the frog crouched against a trickling stream, or the beetle navigating fallen leaves under a canopy of towering trees. This perspective transforms what might otherwise feel like a standard portrait into a story. It gives context—reminding the viewer that each subject is part of a greater whole. To me, this is vital. Okinawa’s wildlife isn’t just remarkable for its individual beauty; it’s remarkable because of the fragile, interwoven ecosystems that sustain it. Wide angle macro allows me to communicate that balance in a single frame.
To begin this journey, I’ll be working with the Laowa 15mm f/4 1:1 wide angle macro lens, paired with either the Laowa MK800 Dual Macro Flash or the Canon MT26 EX RT dual flash system. These tools will allow me to get close enough to emphasize the subject, while also drawing in the richness of its surroundings. This lens is insane and allows me to focus down to the outside edge of the glass element itself meaning that a subject can literally be touching the lens and still be photographed. At that proximity though lighting becomes a bigger issue. Yet this isn’t about the gear—it’s about vision. My goal for the coming year is to create imagery that breathes new life into species I know so well, presenting them in ways that surprise not just the audience but myself as well. Wide Angle Macro Photography will be my tool for renewal, my way of keeping both my perspective and my passion fresh. By shifting how I see, I hope to show others that even the most familiar subjects can offer something entirely new when you look at them from the right angle.
As a further example, and if you're not scared of snakes. Head to the top of this page and you'll find a small circular icon with two circular arrows. Click on that to see a nocturnal shot of a Pryers Keelback snake photographed with this lens. Click that icon again to return to this standard page view.
Black Breasted Leaf Turtle in it's own environment of the Yambaru jungles in northern Okinawa. The wider view.
The wider picture allos me to document and display the ever important aspect of pollination with the surrounding vegetation.
"One day, all of this will be mine" Diminutive critters with thoughts grandeur. Such imagery reinforces all manner of editorial angles.
About the Author
Internationally recognized as a provider of quality mixed media Mark Thorpe is always on the search for captivating imagery.
Photographer / Cameraman
Mark Thorpe
Emmy Award Winning wildlife cameraman and Internationally published landscape photographer Mark Thorpe has been an adventurer since he could walk! Spending 17yrs as an Underwater Cameraman at the start of his imaging career the highlight of which was being contracted to work with National Geographic. In that role as a field producer and predominantly underwater cameraman he's been privy to a mixed bag of hair raising adventures. For some reason he was always selected for projects relating to large toothed marine predators such as Great White and Tiger Sharks, Sperm Whales, and Fur Seals. Additionally he has also been active within Southern Africa on terrestrial projects dealing with a wide array of iconic wildlife.
Currently based in Okinawa, Japan, he has established himself there as the leading ocean, wildlife and landscape photographer. Always on the lookout for that next big adventure he has travelled extensively throughout the islands of Okinawa to document their beauty and natural history. He shares his exploits online with a totally organic social audience. Videography wise he continues to create short form content to promote the diversity of wildlife within the Okinawa prefecture.
Mark also plans, offers and guides completely bespoke wildlife experiences for private sector clientele. Whether you're a photographer looking to document the behavior of a specific species or indeed a nature loving couple/individual looking to that totally immersive and all encompassing experience. From single multiple hour options through to multiple day experiences trips and experiences are created with the view to witnessing the truly wild spectacle that Okinawa offers without being treated, or seen, as just another visitor to the island. Should you wish to experience this truly awesome side of wild Okinawa then all you have to do to get the ball rolling is click on the Contact page and fire off any questions you may have about the currently available adventures.