The Secret World of Macro Photography in Nature with Tom Boyle

Emma Chaplin
, 28 September 2025
The Secret World of Macro Photography in Nature with Tom Boyle
Comma butterfly © Tom Boyle

Tom Boyle is a member of the Trust who has been posting lovely photos on our Nature Table for a while now. He's recently become interested in macro photography. We have interviewed him about some of the autumnal photos he's taken recently. 

Tell us a bit about yourself

I was born in Scotland and now live in Burgess Hill, where I have lived for over 40 years. I am a member of Mid Sussex Camera Club. 

Spiders web © Tom Boyle

When did you first become interested in nature?

My first interest in nature started was when I was about 15 years old, I was a member of SOC, the Scottish Ornithologists' Club. One of the outings was to the Bass Rock in Scotland with my older brother to see the Gannets, and out of the thousands of Gannets there, was one Black-browed Albatross. 

My inquisitive brain wanted to know how it got there and how it was surviving in Scotland. We are so lucky to live in the South of England and have such a diversity of habitats and wildlife.

Oakmoss lichen © Tom Boyle

What do you like about macro photography?

I like to see bits of a butterfly or bug that you can’t see with the naked eye. It’s makes me want to find out more about the image on my computer.

Tell us what equipment you use, in brief

All the images are taken on my Olympus OM-D E M 1 mark II camera with a 60 macro lens.

Sweet Briar Rosehip © Tom Boyle

Where are your favourite wild places in Sussex?

The best place to go for great images is Woods Mill Nature Reserve. I like the fact that dogs aren't allowed there. I also like Green Circle in Burgess Hill.

Any tips?

Just listen to nature.

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