Sensational Snapshots!

In February, PCT announced Shane Robertson, a service professional with Brody Brothers Pest Control, Owings Mills, Md., as the winner of our annual Best Pest Photo Contest. Robertson won $500 from PCT for his photo of a robber fly on a blade of grass.

The photo was taken just outside of Maryland’s Liberty Reservoir. “I had just gotten a macro lens for my (Canon T6) and happened upon this guy. He was able to stay still for a few shots,” said Robertson. “The eyes really stand out for me. I was reading about these flies and I learned that their eyes are like binoculars.”

Robertson said he has been photographing insects for about three-and-a-half years. Prior to that, he was doing macro photography, using a telephoto lens to photograph wildlife and birds. He said he finds macro- and micro-photography “equally rewarding.”

PCT’s judges commented:

“Love the changing focus and different colors.”

“This image is expertly framed and the lighting is first rate.”

“Captures the beauty of these insects’ eyes.”

PCT received a number of great entries in this year’s contest. In addition to the following layout featuring the 10 finalist photos, PCTOnline.com includes a video slideshow of this year’s top photos.

Here’s a look at the winning photo and 10 finalist photos: