While searching for interesting seed heads to photograph near his home, Bernd spotted two harvestmen climbing the thin stems of a clematis plant. Taking advantage of the soft autumnal light, Bernd framed the pair of harvestmen and plumy seed heads against the overcast sky, creating a composition that makes it tricky to see where the insects end and the plant begins.
Often mistaken for spiders, harvestmen are an order of arachnids called Opiliones, and there are more than 6,600 species. Despite having two central eyes they are unable to form images. Instead, they explore their environment by using the sensory tips of their elongated second pair of legs, which act like antennae.
Germany
Although growing up a city boy, nature was Bernd's passion. Decades later, he relocated to the Upper Rhine Valley, where the meadows and woodlands surrounding his house kindled a desire to focus on nature photography, in particular the flora and fauna on his doorstep. In 1986 Bernd became a member of GDT and since 2008 he has been heading a local branch.
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