Photographing Specimens
Elizabeth Skillen
University of Georgia
11 November, 1998
Overview
We are beginning to train teachers to photograph images for species homepages. Below is an example of a parasitic wasp Coelichneumon histricus (Hymenoptera: Ichenuomidae) taken with a Nikon Coolpix 900 Digital Camera. This is our first digital image. We are excited about our progress!
Shadowless Photography of Specimens
Elevate a piece of non-glare window glass 1.5 to 2 inches above a
grey piece of paper. Use modeling clay to hold both the sharp
and the round end of the pin. Use 3 GE daylight 100 watt light bulbs
positioned for equal lighting and set the white balance with a piece of
extra-white paper. Proper white balance is essential or the specimen color
will be corrupted by the artificial lighting. It also helps to use center
focus setting. -Norbert Kondla 2007
