In A Dark Cave He Saw A Strange Creature… Then He Reached For His Camera

Jul. 8

LifeBuzz I Nature

Photographer Joseph Michael needed a break from a separate project he was working on when he decided to capture New Zealand’s glowworms. Little did he know that going into the country’s 30 million year limestones caves would result in the series “Luminosity.” Michael photographed the Arachnocampa Luminosa. The species sparkles like Christmas lights in the dark and wet grottos. The Auckland native describes spending hours in the caves in cold water to shoot the amazing show of lights.

The glowworms are more abundant in the summer months but it is in the winter when they glow brighter. It is believed the worms’ radiance is to attract their prey. Although when the female Luminosa shines, it is to also find a mate. Michael hopes that his hard work will create another perspective, “to give someone the opportunity to look at something different, create a deeper perspective on the things we see every day.”