Blount Scholars Nature Photography Course: Spring 2020
This class intended to show students how to use a digital camera to photograph everything from insects to elephants. The techniques the students learned in this class are transferable beyond nature to product photography and other genres.
By the end of the course, the students were able to create publishable quality photographs for use in biological research as well as creative/artistic applications. The course focused on using digital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras, DSLR-related equipment, field and studio techniques, post-processing, and photographic workflow.
Stacking Images
The stacking technique used in this class involves creating between 50 to 100 images that are stacked on top of one another displaying the intricate detail of an insect.
Students positioned the insect in the field of view of a camera attached to a movable rail. This technique is one of the most difficult to master in macro photography.
Let's meet the students and their photos
Common Name: Glasswing Butterfly
Scientific Name: Greta sp.
Mary Elizabeth Miller
- Class Status: Junior
- Major: Biology (pre-med) and Dance
- Hometown: Donalsonville, GA
Why this Specimen?
Before looking at the bugs, I thought I would be very indecisive. The minute she opened up the box, though, my eye immediately went to the glasswing butterfly. I was so fascinated by the clear, yet iridescent, wings that I knew I wanted to capture it up close.
Common Name: Carolina Mantis
Scientific Name: Stagmomantis carolina
Keerthana Manjo
- Class: Junior
- Major: English
- Hometown: Memphis, TN
Why this Specimen?
I was drawn to my bug because he had a really charismatic and photogenic face. In my final photo, I wanted to capture the playful and fun nature of the mantis!
Common Name: Bumelia Borer
Scientific Name: Plinthocoelium suaveolens
Isabel Herrick
- Class: Senior (Class of 2021)
- Major: Computer Science
- Hometown: Dunwoody, GA
Why this Specimen?
His colors are what drew me in first; the orange legs are a beautiful contrast to the iridescent blue body. After that though, the incredible details on his head are what really solidified my choice.
Common Name: Six-Spotted Tiger Beetle
Scientific Name: Cicindela sexgutata
Christopher Logan Goulart
- Class: Junior
- Major: History and Interdisciplinary Studies
- Hometown: Enterprise, AL
Why this Specimen?
For my bug, I always liked beetles. The brilliant colors of the tiger beetle caught my eye almost immediately. The tiger beetle has an interesting face and side profile that I wanted to capture as well.
Common Name: Orchard Mason Bee
Scientific Name: Osmia sp.
Sarah Osucha
- Class: Sophomore
- Major: Biology (pre-med) and Dance
- Hometown: Knoxville, TN
Why this Specimen?
I chose this bug because he was a fun blue color that stood out to me amongst the other options. Additionally, I really liked his eye and chose to use that as a focal point in this image. I utilized a pink background to make the color of the bug stand out and I really enjoy the contrast of the colors in the outcome. I challenged myself with the small size of the bug, but I really love how the final image turned out.
Common Name: Blue Morpho
Scientific Name: Morpho sp.
Diana Etain
- Class: Graduated
- Major: English
- Hometown: Gadsden, AL
Why this Specimen?
Butterflies have always been my favorite insect due to the vibrant color of their wings.
Common Name: Bee-like Robber Fly
Scientific Name: Laphria macquarti
Zoe Baker
- Class: Junior
- Major: Electrical Engineering
- Hometown: Orland Park, IL
Why this Specimen?
I thought there was something very anthropomorphic about the bee's face. The placement of the hairs almost reminds me of an old wise man with a beard.
Common Name: Sunset Moth
Scientific Name: Chrysiridia sp.
Elizabeth Batts
- Class: Junior
- Major: Marine Science, Physics, and Biology
- Hometown: Kingsport, TN
Why this Specimen?
Butterflies are a common bug, but seen at this scale they become unfamiliar. The scales of the butterfly's wing surprised me and I want to share this view with others. Additionally, the bright colors of the scales create a lovely natural mosaic.