20+ Adorable Images Of Small Animals Hitching A Ride On Other Animals And Interacting
Some animal photos make you stop scrolling, and Yan Hidayat’s macro shots do exactly that. His close-up images of reptiles, insects, and tiny creatures turn animals many people overlook into the stars of the frame.
Hidayat has spent years photographing these subjects, and one lizard photo in particular helped bring his work widespread attention. The rest of his portfolio is full of surprising moments, from relaxed reptiles to small animals riding on bigger ones, and the results are oddly charming.
Here are some of his most eye-catching images, and they are worth a closer look.
1. This lizard basking in the sun took the internet by storm

“I have had this lizard since I was little; it is no longer wild and has often been the subject of my photos. It practically lives inside my house, but I always take it outside to enjoy the sun. I took advantage of the fact that it was relaxed in the sun, and surprisingly, I managed to capture that.”
2. This is a forest lizard, or Sulawesi Bloodsucker

3. Yan Hidayat loves “macro and reptile photos because they’re very original”

“I’ve been in the photography world for a long time. I’ve been in it for about 12 years now. I like macro photos because insects and reptiles are very unique and interesting to capture through photos,” the photographer says.
After he snaps a good photo, he admits that “there’s a feeling of satisfaction in my heart when I get the moment I want.”
4. The media love Yan’s photos, especially this one

5. Animals love hitching rides whenever an opportunity arises

When asked about what got him into the world of macro photography, Yan Hidayat also said that it “really tests patience.” And that’s the key to a good photo. The photographer revealed that the key to taking a great macro shot is “patience in chasing the moment,” which is very wise, concise, and poetic advice.
6. Slow riders

7. Just keep swimming

For more macro drama, check out the Belgian natural photographer’s 23 insect close-ups.
8. Unlikely duo

9. True grit

10. Safe and comfy

11. Your ride is here

12. Snails go faster like this

13. The photo of a frog using a leaf as an umbrella also became very popular

14. Did you know that reptiles can make expressions?

15. Happy expressions

16. Give me a hand

17. How are you?

18. Hello there

19. Powerful and confident

20. Adventure in the swamp

21. Wonderful and scary at the same time

22. Makes you wonder if the colors are real

Now do you believe us? Are reptiles less scary?
They can be beautiful, especially when we see the way they interact with each other. Again, we have to praise the photographer.
These images require a lot of patience and skill. We are so lucky he has both.
Wait until you see the moment this chameleon hatches and immediately ignores its own escape.