Photography Capturing Moments in Time & Space
Photography Objectives
- Describe different ways photographs have been, and are currently used, in science.
- List basic photographic principles that can be used to capture information about animal structures and behaviors.
Science photos are forms of data that can reveal hidden worlds and extend the potential of human observation.
People often ask us why we picked science careers. Study sites like this one are part of the reason. This section introduces science photography.
These are Juga snails that were part of a research project looking at the impact of clear cutting (complete removal of trees) on stream organisms.
Snails were photographed to determine approximate sizes at different time in a growing season to determine growth rates.
Photography is now used extensively in science to extend observational range.
Photography History
Microscope Photography
Since science is based on observation and organism structures can be quite small, magnification has been key in understanding biological phenomena
Light (optical) microscope
Electron microscope
Special Microscopic Imagery
In addition to enhanced magnification, special techniques can illuminate features that would otherwise be undetected by the human eye.
Live-cell imaging
Fluorescence
Polarization
Telescope Photographs
Observatories and space-based telescopes have extended photographs beyond the visible spectrum.
The Hubble Telescope
The Chandra Observatory
The Webb and Spitzer Telescopes
Are you producing excellent science photos?
These awards celebrate high quality photographs.
NSF's International Science and Engineering Visualization Challenge
Nikon's Small World
Animal Photography Basics
Effective photos convey information and basic planning can result in quality photographic data and stories.
This is our list: add to these based on your own experiences.
To-do in advance:
Tasks to complete prior to photography projects
Know Your Gear
Know Your Subject
Carry Your Camera
Alternate Activities
To-do while photographing:
Review this list periodically to be prepared to capture animals in action
Pick Good Light
Numerous Photos
Different Lenses & Filters
Different Perspectives
In the next section you will learn more about populations you will be studying for one of this module’s Population Analysis media assignment, including size and distribution.
Check your knowledge. Can you:
- describe different ways photographs have been, and are currently used, in science?
- list basic photographic principles that can be used to capture information about animal structures and behaviors?