It’s been a long a ago since I first thought in a way to work my background, in biology sciences and my work as a photographer.

Brain at work!

Living in Brazil leaves you very short options, since full time wildlife photography is more an exception than a possibility for a young professional. Using photography as a tool is very common and there would be no chance of me finding the holly Graal with a picture…

Some decapod at Petar State Park, Brazil

Than I turned my attention to what researchers were doing in means of photography. Are they any good? It’s it just for a documentary purpose? What’s is going on?

My last time with a researcher I could understand some of the needs and frustrations. The task of shooting his collection was ” so huge” that he could even imagine it happening…

Fishes are my main interest in biology so, I was clear about what would be my focus. As a fan of scientific papers, I could understand where the pictures published could be improved.

Working in one of the first essays: “life” fish stack photography.

That’s where ” Updated on live specimens photography, using digital technology ” was born =D

It was my first time working in a scientific work, and my goal was to set a standard for shooting live fish, with digital technology (there were some publications from the 90’s, mainly dealing with film photography - very useless for today’s conditions).

Took me sometime to really start working. And for sure this guy was an

inspiration: Levon Biss.

diagrams…

and more diagrams..

This was when I started: look the lack of focus, due the deept of field.

problem solved =D

After 4 months, the manuscript was ready, thanks by the help of some friends and collegues.

The whole thing was submited to a Zoology Journal and hope they take the bait! =)

Here follows de abstract and the refferences:

Abstract: An updated in the fish tank photography is presented, with improved techniques, based on previous articles. A flexible system for photographing without shadows is suggested, in field and under controlled lighting situations.

A method for photographic improvement in live fish sharpness is suggested and the results discussed.

References

Davenport, C.J & Roop, K.L. (2000). Teaching fish Identification with a Simple Teaching -Photographic Tank. The American Biology Teacher, Volume 32: 202-203.

Emery, A.R. & R. Winterbotton, 1980. - A technique for

fish specimen photography in the field. Can. J. Zool., 58: 2158-2162.

Herler, J; Lipej, L. & Makovec, T. (2007). A simple technique for digital imaging of live and preserved small fish specimens., 31(1) : 39-44.

Holme,E. 1988. - Improved technique for fish specimen photography

in the field. Can. J. Zool., 67: 2330-2332.

Jenkins, R. L; Howe, W.M; Wood, L. F. (2003). Teaching field Biology with Photography. The american Biology teacher. 65: 450-454.

NOUE, L. A. Kiosh, A.i; SANTOS, N.C; MORAES, G.(2003). Clove oil as anaesthetic for juveniles of matrinxã Brycon cephalu (Gunther, 1869). Cienc. Rural vol.33 no.5 Santa Maria Sept./Oct. 2003

Wilson EO. 1992. The Diversity of Life. Cambridge (MA), Harvard University Press.

Rinne J.N. & M.D. Jakle, 1981. - The photarium: A device for taking natural photographs of live fish. P rog. Fish-Cult., 43: 201-204.

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