Pondlife

The other evening I tried photographing some invertebrates in a very small (about 1ft square) pond in our garden. I also tried seeing what it all looks like using ultra-violet fluorescence.

We had noticed that during the evening some invertebrates were surfacing near a rock placed in the pond. So this is what I concentrated on. The invertebrates, according to a guide I downloaded are ‘2-spot water slaters’ or ‘water lice’. Here is a selection of photos:

Water slaters at the surface by a rock in the pond
A second view of the invertebrates
A small frog surfaces whilst I was taking the photos

These next photos show Ultra violet fluorescence:

The green weed fluoresces red whilst the water turns a milky blue-white
This photo shows the frog under UV: Its skin is black but the eyes are milky white

Finally the setup for the flash photos:

2 flashguns with small softboxes provide illumination for the camera

An interesting exercise: not only have I learnt something about photography, I have also learned the name of an invertebrate!

Author: Paul L.G. Morris

I am an amateur photographer whose photography is mostly of gardens, nature and the rural environment. My specialities are close-ups, panoramic views, or a combination of both that I call 'Nearscapes'. I work mostly for my own interest having closed my business PM Studios Ltd.