Three years ago, I wrote about the incredible insect photography of Igor Siwanowicz. When I checked back in on him, I discovered he’s now moved on to microscopic photography, with similarly spectacular results. He’s using a laser-scanning microscope to capture even more amazing detail than in his earlier works.

For example, the photo above is the foot of a male Acilius sulcatus (diving beetle). This complex foot is what enables the beetle to walk on water, and Siwanowicz’s new method of photography captured it in glorious living color. In addition to being a nature photographer, Siwanowicz is a neurobiologist at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute in Ashburn, Virginia, which gives him access to some very exotic (and very tiny) creatures indeed.

“I first laid hands on my microscope only three years ago, when I changed fields. I used to work as a biochemist, but I decided that neurobiology was more in tune with my naturalist approach. Plus they have these cool toys: confocal laser-scanning microscopes.”

Seems like he’s having fun exploring his new world. I’m glad he’s bringing us along!

All images property of Igor Siwanowicz.