'We're ready for our close ups': Wildlife photographer gives ugliest of insects the star treatment with 'macro' portraits

It was in the classic film Sunset Boulevard when American actress Gloria Swanson delivered the famous line: 'I'm ready for my close-up'.

And it seems this weird and wonderful collection of insects from around the world had that in mind when they posed for these incredible photographs.

Amateur macro photographer Nicolas Reusens amassed the huge series - totalling over 100 images - over a three year period.

Incredible: Amateur macro-photographer Nicolas Reusens amassed a huge series of close-up images of insects over a three year period

Globetrotter: The 36-year-old Spaniard scoured the planet finding 'weird' bugs to photograph in his studio using an intricate macro set up

And despite perhaps not being the most adorable of creatures, they certainly make for striking photographs.



In one image a wasp appears to be staring down the cameras lens menacingly, his distinctive black and yellow markings vibrantly standing out between his horn like antenna.

Another shows an Amazon Moth's piercing and scaled green eye protruding from his extravagant feathered fur.

While one shows the oily complexion of a Tiger Beetle feasting on a leaf in Mr Reusens studio.

The 36-year-old Spaniard scoured the planet finding 'weird' bugs to photograph in his studio using an intricate macro set up.

He even had to stay awake 24 hours to snare one species of wild bug he desperately wanted to add to his collection.

Each image takes Mr Reusens between 20 and a staggering 200 shots to compose through a complex process called stacking.

Striking: Nicholas Reusens only started taking the fascinating images three years ago

Precise: Each image takes Mr Reusens between 20 and 200 shots to compose through a complex process called stacking

He then has to intricately and seamlessly edit each and every individual image together to create the crystal clear, pin-sharp close-ups.

And the results are truly stunning, with critters spanning nearly every continent documented - in extreme detail.

Mr Reusens, who spans the globe as a cabin crew member, said: 'I do tonnes of macro pictures every week. Some are just one shot I take in the jungle, but lots I collect and take back to my studio where I can use my expensive equipment to get even better images.

'I only started three years ago. I've always had a sharp eye for nature and been fascinated by insects.

Dedicated: Mr Reusens visited a host of countries in his quest to picture as many known species of insect as possible, including Peru, Costa Rica, Malaysia and South Africa

Talented: Amateur photographer Nicolas Reusens is no doubt extremely proud of his fascinating collection of photographs

'I collected ants, moths and other insects in matchboxes, so my hobby is just a progression from that.

'I guess you could call me a perfectionist or maybe even a freak - I'm that obsessed by them.'

The talented photographer has visited a host of countries in his quest to picture as many known species of insect as possible - taking in Peru, Costa Rica, Malaysia and South Africa.

He added: 'One of the greatest satisfactions of photography is travelling around the world and capturing the weird and wonderful creatures.

'They open a world you cannot normally imagine because it is so small.

'People's reactions on seeing them are always good. People use terms like amazing, breathtaking and beautiful, but you can always improve.'



And Mr Reusens revealed the lengths he has gone to get his shot.

He explained: 'For some of the images I had to hide for hours on end to wait for the insect to come along. Some I spent all night searching for them.