Canadian photographer Beckett Robertson has received high commendation in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2025 competition for his striking image of a whip spider captured in a cave in the Dominican Republic. The photograph, titled "Cave Stalker," was taken in the 15-17 years category and showcases the photographer's skill in wildlife portraiture and artistic interpretation of the natural world.
Robertson discovered the amblypygid, scientifically known as Phrynus longipes, on a cave ceiling in Cueva Boulevard del Atlántico, Samaná, Dominican Republic. The challenging photography conditions required him to position himself carefully between stalactites and stalagmites, as the cave was filled with numerous spiders. The amblypygid's antenna-like legs were in constant motion throughout the shoot, but eventually remained still long enough for Robertson to capture this remarkable image.
Whip spiders, also known as amblypygids, are fascinating arachnids that can be found in various environments including caves, crevices, under leaf litter, and even in termite nests. Their distinctive feature is their front pair of legs, which have evolved into long, whip-like limbs that function as sensory organs. These specialized appendages help them navigate their surroundings and detect prey or threats in their often dark habitats.
Robertson is a passionate conservation and nature advocate who places particular emphasis on the importance of insects and arachnids to the global ecosystem. He has been actively involved as a Junior and Teen Kingston Field Naturalist for 12 years, demonstrating his long-term commitment to wildlife study and conservation. His photographic work has taken him around the world, capturing arthropods in diverse locations including Canada, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Singapore, Thailand, and the United States.
The award-winning photograph was captured using an OM System OM-1 camera with a 60mm f2.8 macro lens. The technical settings included a shutter speed of 1/400 second at f10 aperture with ISO 250, enhanced by a Godox TT350 O flash and Cygnustech macro diffuser to achieve optimal lighting conditions in the cave environment.
As an aspiring entomologist, Robertson has practical experience in the field, having worked as a Digitisation Technician in the Entomology Department at the Royal Ontario Museum during the summer of 2023. His combination of scientific knowledge and artistic vision contributes to his success in wildlife photography, particularly in documenting often-overlooked species like arachnids.
The Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition celebrates images that demonstrate quality, style, and originality while showcasing the natural world's beauty and encouraging its protection. Robertson's work exemplifies these values by bringing attention to lesser-known creatures and their important role in ecosystem balance. The competition's current exhibition aims to help viewers pause, reflect, and reconnect with nature through powerful imagery that highlights both its beauty and the need for conservation efforts.
