Photomicrography I - Macro Talk #103 - AWPhotography, 7/30/24

Photomicrography I - Macro Talk #103 - AWPhotography, 7/30/24

Introduction

I made it just about in time! Good evening, everybody. It is Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, July 30th, 202-something. I hope you're doing well. This is Macro Talk, where we explore macro photography. Tonight, we delve into the world of photomicrography. I'll explain more as we go along, but this is part one of a series designed to bridge the gap between macro and photomicrography, stimulating thought and excitement.

Announcements

I want to welcome newcomers. If it's your first time, we are here to make you a better macro photographer. Thank you to my Patreon supporters—you make this possible. For everyone else, welcome to a place of learning and sharing.

We have a two-part series on photomicrography lined up. Tonight is part one, where we will compare macro photography with photomicrography. This is all leading up to an interview video with Charlie Krebs, a master photomicrographer. Other announcements include our Patreon Zoom meeting, competition results, and the upcoming My Tiny Universe competition for August.

The Picnic Plans

Plans for the "Macro Picnic" are set! It will be on September 7th in Peoria. If you're flying in, let me know your arrival time, and I'll ensure you get here. We're expecting a big turnout, and I'm working on some exciting features, including possible catering to make it an unforgettable event.

Photomicrography vs. Macro Photography

Photomicrography differs significantly from macro photography. While both capture images of small subjects, photomicrography employs modified microscope equipment, whereas macro photography uses a modified camera system. Essentially, macro photography aims to magnify subjects between 1:2 and 10:1, while photomicrography can scale from 10:1 to 1000:1.

Sample Images

Photomicrography results are spectacular. For example, Charlie Krebs's photography of butterfly scales shows incredible detail. Another stunning example is his stacked image of aphids, capturing thousands of details we could never see with the naked eye.

Environments and Workflow

The setups differ too. Photomicrographers often use vertical rigs to observe subjects in a stable aqueous environment. This contrasts with the horizontal setups in macro photography, more suited for posing larger subjects creatively.

Photomicrography involves a diverse array of subjects like microorganisms, individual cells, and minuscule structures. It often requires scanning slides to discover fascinating areas to photograph. The workflow might involve hours of examining samples under the microscope before deciding on a subject to capture.

Wrapping Up

Macro Talk is where art meets science in photography. Despite the overlap, the two fields diverge in equipment, technique, and application. Understanding these nuances allows dedicated macro photographers to explore deeper into the micron realm, crossing into photomicrography's domain.

Keywords

- Macro Photography - Photomicrography - Charlie Krebs - Equipment Modification - Workflow Differences - Vertical vs. Horizontal Rig - Microorganisms - Focus Stacking

FAQ

Q1: What is the primary difference between macro photography and photomicrography? A: Macro photography uses modified camera systems to capture images at magnifications typically from 1:2 to 10:1. Photomicrography, on the other hand, uses modified microscope equipment, achieving magnifications from 10:1 to 1000:1 or more.

Q2: What kind of gear do photomicrographers use? A: Photomicrographers often use research-grade microscopes with modifications like focus motors and controllers to achieve focus stacking. Lighting and stability are crucial factors.

Q3: Can you provide examples of what photomicrographs look like? A: Yes, images by Charlie Krebs show incredible detail and clarity, such as the minuscule structures on butterfly scales and the complex arrangement of aphids, showcasing the detail captured via photomicrography.

Q4: What subjects do photomicrographers typically capture? A: Common subjects include microorganisms, individual cells, and tiny structures not visible to the naked eye, often involving hours of examination to find photogenic compositions.

Q5: How do workflow and approach differ between macro photography and photomicrography? A: Macro photography often involves setting up and posing visible subjects creatively. Photomicrography involves more scanning and examining of slides to find suitable microscopic subjects, often in liquid environments, making its workflow more dynamic and exploratory.

Q6: What kinds of cameras are best for photomicrography? A: Smaller sensor cameras are generally preferred, as most microscope setups can't cover full-frame sensors adequately. Mirrorless cameras are highly recommended due to their reduced vibration compared to mirrored DSLRs.

Feel free to join our Macro Talk sessions for more insights into these fascinating subjects.