Recording & Support -
Recording Methods
Digital Photography
1. Introduction
A biological record is information on the location and status of habitats and species. Biological records are used by planners, local authorities, ecological consultants and conservation organisations, so it's important to provide accurate information.Species identification is not easy, but using photography (particularly digital) can make some identifications easier. It is particularly useful for flying species who, if you see at a glance you'd never remember all the features you wanted to look for. Taking a photograph you can view the species later (in the comfort of your own home) and zoom in on the features you need to see in order to make an accurate determination.
The difference between two very similar looking species could be that one is extremely common and one on the verge of extinction! Not only is a photograph a record in itself, a good photograph can pick up the minute differences between very similar species.
Did
you know that the two-spot ladybird can vary in colour and number of spots?
By collecting photos from across the county, we can improve our image database
to highlight both the similarities and differences amongst species. This photograph
shows mating 2-Spot Ladybirds (Adalia 2-punctata © Lee Manning)Photography, in particular digital photography, can be an invaluable aid to identification. And from a Records Centre point of view give your records validity. If you see a rare butterfly for instance (particularly one of the blues which can be easily confused with other very similar species) your record is likely to be viewed in higher regard if you have a photo to prove it.
2. Why is it useful?
- A photograph can be
studied at leisure at a later date
in order to establish accurate identification. - Digital photography can be stored,
viewed easily
and quickly on a computer or the camera screen andshared easily
, for example, a digital image can be sent around the country for experts to look at and thus give a quick and accurate determination. Speed
- no waiting for photos to be developed.Economic
- after the initial cost of the camera, you can store, copy and email photos at no cost, and only print a photo if you want to.- A photo can
negate the need to remove a specimen from its habitat.
- If the date is set properly
your camera will record 3 of the 4 'w's (who, what and when)
so you will only need to remember where you were. - As a learning tool,
photos can help you to learn
the difference between species. So when you come across them again, you can compare them to your own catalogue of pictures.
3. Are they complicated to use?
No, not really. Once you have familiarised yourself with the camera, you will probably only need to use a few of the functions regularly, and many have prompts on the screen to remind you what you need to do.4. Are they expensive?
How much you spend is entirely up to you. You might want borrow a friend's camera before you make a purchase, or start of with an inexpensive second hand one: perhaps someone you know is upgrading to a newer model and wants to sell the older one. You can probably expect to pay from �100 - �150 for a new digital camera.5. What functions do I need?
Optical zoom
as apposed to digital zoom (which loses quality), to enable clear close ups to be taken of small creatures. You should look for at least a 3X optical zoom. Also, the more mega pixels the camera has, the better the quality of the photographs it will take. However, if you only plant to print small photos/email or put onto a webpage; a 1.2 mega pixel camera will do the job.Digital photography is not awfully different from normal photography. Why not
get a book out from your local library
, go along to yourcamera retailer
(a specialised camera shop would be best), orask someone you know
who already uses digital photography for advice.Most of all make sure the retailer knows what you want from your camera -
don't be sold an unnecessarily flashy model
, butbe sure that your camera will be able to take good quality close ups
of small animals, insects or flowers. It may be a good idea to be aware of which manufacturers specialise in cameras, and have a history of making good quality products, and would therefore be able to give you the best help and advice, as well as making good products.6. Do I need a computer?
Having a PC at home makes digital photography immensely convenient butyou can still use a digital camera without one
. Photos are displayed on the camera screen, and can be stored in the cameras own memory, or on a removable memory card. You can have your photos printed at a photo lab, and some shops have self-service printing machines. Most digital cameras connect up to any computer simply with a single cable, so you could share your photos with others in this way. Even without a PC, you can show your photos to others on the screen of the camera. Some cameras come with their own printing dock.7. Tips for recording using digital photography
- Make sure you still note down the four W's.
- It may be useful to note down
the kind of habitat that the photo was taken in
(to aid identification later), such as 'close to the river bank', or 'in a field being grazed by sheep'. - With fungi always identify the tree it was on or close to.
Note any special characteristics
(especially with plants) such as 'highly scented', 'smelt of lemon' or 'hairy on upper and lower side of leaf'.- If possible,
note the size of a specimen
- you could place a ruler, coin or hand in the photo as another aid to identification.
Hornet, Vespa crabro, with ruler to aid identification (© Steve Smith)8. Examples of how photos are useful
Example 1: Mink or Otter?
A mink? An otter? A stoat? If you didn't know, a photo and a bit of research later, you would find out quite easily. Without a photographic record, could you have described these animals accurately?
American Mink, Mustela vison (© Ruth Childs)
Otter, Lutra lutra (© Gail Davie)Counting
Digital phtography is excellent if you want to estimate or count numbers of species, for example if you photograph a colony of hibernating ladybirds - you can use the image to estimate a number. Equally if you photograph a group of animals at distance you can zoom in at home and count the individuals.Fun
If you are new to biological recording, you may find it difficult to identify the things you see, but the more things you see the easier it becomes, and photography is an enjoyable way to learn. Your interest might even turn into a regular pastime or profession! Most of all, your snaps could be an invaluable record and a useful reference for yourself.Example 2: Common or Ruddy Darter?
You spot a 'red dragon fly', and try to describe it to another person later. It could have been either of these similar looking species - a photograph makes identification easy.
Common darter, Sympetrum striolatum (© Lee Manning)
(Sympetrum striolatum)
can range in colour from orange-red to yellowish-brown. They can be distinguished from the Ruddy darter by the yellow markings on the thorax below the wings, and the more defined 'waist' of the abdomen.
Ruddy darter, Sympetrum sanguineum(© Steve Smith)
(Sympetrum sanguineum)
female is ochre in colour and the male is crimson, both with legs that are entirely black, whereas the Common darter has yellow striping to the legs. It is much easier to examine these differences on a photograph, then during a brief glimpse in the field.
