Lu Hejun (Summer2016): The beauty of the microscopic world

by Editor Peter Davidson
Edited and published by Yvette Depaepe, the 17th of August 2026

Lu Hejun (Smmer2016) is a Chinese photographer living in the USA who makes the most beautiful images of wildlife, mostly in extreme close up macro. I think you will agree that her images are not simple close up pictures, but aesthetically pleaseing artistic creations. (Having been experimenting myself with macro recently, I know how hard a task it is, so all I can say is - Bravo!)

Enjoy!

'Green Lacewing'

Online, everyone calls me Summer. My Chinese name is Lu Hejun (盧和君). In magazines, regardless of which name is used, or if both names appear simultaneously (for example: Summer / Lu Hejun), I am acceptable.

Where were you born and how old are you?

I was born in Chengde City, Hebei Province, China (home to the famous Chengde Mountain Resort). I am 61 years old this year.

When did you start your photographic journey?

My photography journey began in 2020. At that time, I had just retired and had plenty of free time. At first, I just used my phone to record the scenery while travelling. On my birthday, my son gave me a Nikon D810 camera. It was this precious gift that officially started my photography hobby.

'Antlion'

Is there anything in particular that prompted you in the direction or genre that you follow in photography?

When I first got into photography, like most people, I loved capturing landscapes and birds. But because I needed to take care of my family, I didn't have a large amount of dedicated time to shoot in distant locations. So I started searching for scenery in the park near my home: spring flowers, summer morning glow, autumn red leaves, and winter snowy landscapes. Until one morning, I happened to spot a seven-spotted ladybird in the grass in the park. Against the backdrop of green grass, it was as red as a dazzling ruby, instantly catching my eye. At that moment, the beauty of the microscopic world deeply shocked me. I realised that without travelling far, beauty is found in the grass around me, and I can also balance family life. From that day on, I completely fell in love with macro photography.

Has photography always been a hobby or interest to you?

Photography wasn't a long-term hobby I had when I was young; it was something I "fell in love with" later in my retirement. Once I got involved, it became an indispensable beloved in my life.

Looking at your wildlife and especially your macro work, can you reveal how you achieve such amazing pictures?

Capturing good macro shots is no easy feat; it requires tremendous patience and dedication. I usually get up early in the morning and head to the riverside or park before sunrise to look for insects. During this process, I often returned empty-handed and was frequently covered in mosquito bites. Sometimes, just as you hold your breath and approach, the little bug flies away. Later, I discovered a pattern: when there is a large temperature difference in the morning and dew is present, insects' bodies tend to be stiffer, their movements are slow, and they are less likely to fly away. To capture good shots, I started carrying a small spray bottle with me. When I see insects, I gently spray some mist. Some insects obediently serve as models, while others fly away directly. If it flew away, I would keep my eyes fixed on it—they usually didn't fly far and would land again on nearby grass leaves. At this point, they will stop to clean up the water droplets on their bodies, which is the best time to capture them. Because I mostly shoot handheld, to maintain flexibility, my works are mostly single-shot. Occasionally, when I encounter a very cooperative insect, I try stacking two shots. For light control, I almost always use the on-camera flash paired with a custom softbox to achieve soft, delicate lighting.

Insectivorous flies are ambush hunters and will stay at the tips of branches and leaves for long periods. They have a strong sense of territory; after flying away, they return to the same branch and wait for rabbits. Dragonflies are no exception. This is the best time to get close and press the shutter frantically.

'Ladybug'

What software and camera equipment do you use?

Currently, the main equipment I use includes:
Body: Fujifilm X-H2,
Nikon Z8 Lenses: Fujifilm 80mm macro, 30mm macro; Nikon Z 105mm macro
Post-production software: Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop

Do you have any photographic ambitions?

I don't have any grand plans or ambitions. For me, photography is a pure pleasure. I just want to keep my passion for the moment, go out and make more shots, constantly improve myself, and strive to create more great works that move both myself and my readers.

'Dandelion seeds and little ant'

Have you received any awards or have had featured exhibitions?

I have not yet received any public awards or held a solo exhibition. For me, being able to pass the 1x rigorous curation and be exhibited here is the highest recognition I can receive at this stage.

What advice would you give to new photographers?

For beginners new to macro photography, my most sincere advice is: try to choose macro lenses with slightly longer focal lengths (such as 90mm or 105mm). Even longer). The telephoto lens allows you to shoot from a safe distance without disturbing or scaring away small insects, which greatly improves your success rate. At the same time, observe the habits of insects and approach them with reverence and patience.

'Red and black wasp'

Has being in 1x been of benefit to you?

Joining 1x has benefited me greatly. This platform brings together the world's finest photographers. Every day here I appreciate and learn from top artists, greatly broadening my aesthetic horizons and rapidly improving my understanding of composition and light and shadow.

Do you have any favourite photographers, not just in 1x, and why?

I really like the Dutch macro photographer Leon Baas. His works break away from the hardcore, documentary mechanical feel of traditional macro lenses, and instead perfectly utilise natural and soft light, blending insects with the colours of the background, making the microscopic world dreamy and warm like a fairy tale. Additionally, I greatly admire Thomas Shahan. His precise capture of the eyes and emotions of macro insects (especially jumping spiders) reveals the tension and dignity contained within tiny life, which is truly moving.

Any further information you would like to share with us?

I want to say to all readers who have read this far: age is never a stumbling block to pursuing love. It wasn't until I turned 55 that I picked up a camera and found a whole new joy in life in the world of macro. As long as you keep your curiosity about the world alive, the beautiful scenery is right in the grass below your building. Thanks to 1x magazine for giving me this sharing platform, thank you, Peter!

Thank you Summer!