Life Under the Microscope
Hello PhotographyLovers! For my first post in this community, I wanted to share a type of photography I have not seen much of in this group, microscopy. I have been working to improve my technique and the quality of my microscopy photos over the past couple of years, and while I have a long way to go to achieve the sharpness and vibrancy of other microscopists, I am proud of the progress I have made thus far.
The following are some of my personal favorites recent photos that I've taken of life under the microscope. All of the photos included below are the result of stacking several dozen photos on top of one another using Picolay focus stacking software. Any advice for improving on future attempts is much appreciated!
Some of the most common single celled algae that I encounter are desmids, particularly those of the Closterium genus. These bright green, often crescent shaped microbes, are always a welcome sight, easily sticking out from the surrounding debris as if asking to be photographed.
Genus Closterium:
The more ornamented cousin of the Closterium, Micrasterias are among the most visually striking organisms I come across, demonstrating similar bilateral symmetry as Closterium with broader, shield-like froms.
Micrasterias:
Another frequently observed lifeform I find, particularly in acidic, poorly-oxyginated waters are the testate Amoebae: fascinating single-celled organisms that develop their own delicate, protective shells in which their shelter from the harsh world around them.
Order Arcellinida:
A less frequent, but widespread and easily recognized multi-cellular organisms are the volvox, green algae that create spherical colonies.
Genus Volvox:
The microscopic world provides a fascinating diversity of life that continues to amaze and excite me. Each new drop of water is another ecosystem to explore beneath the microscope, providing endless opportunities to be amazed by the beauty of nature.
If you have the chance, I encourage you too to take a microscope and explore this hidden and beautiful world for yourself!
Genus Actinosphaerium:
Genus Stentor:
Genus Litonotus:
Genus Pleurotaenium:
Genus Oscillatoria:
Pediastrum angulosum:
Pediastrum duplex:
Pseudopediastrum boryanum:
Genus Anabaena:
Genus Gomphosphaeria:
Genus Cosmarium:
Genus Pinnularia:
Genus Gyrosigma:
Unknown Ciliates:
!discovery shots
Wow!... I'm fascinated to see this kind of photographic work on #Hive, applause! 👏
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