The hidden world beneath our feet: Seeing arthropods through a new lens

What if the most important stories in nature are happening beneath our feet, unnoticed?

In this session, conservation storyteller Dara Ojo takes participants into the hidden world of arthropods through macro photography, revealing behaviours, interactions, and details rarely seen with the naked eye.

From early morning fieldwork in Alberta to encounters in diverse ecosystems around the world, this presentation explores how slowing down changes not just what we see, but how we understand nature.

Dara's work highlights the critical role arthropods (insects, spiders and more) play in pollination, decomposition, and maintaining ecological balance. By bringing these often overlooked species into focus, Dara aims to shift perception, spark curiosity, and encourage a deeper connection to the natural world.

Dara Ojo is an award-winning macro photographer and conservation storyteller based in Edmonton, AB. His photography has been featured by National Geographic, CNN, BBC, and Canadian Geographic, and recognized by the United Nations Conference on Biodiversity.

Through exhibitions, workshops, and talks, Dara bridges art and science to change how people see and value the small creatures that sustain life on Earth.