About This Talk
Mineral photography is a particularly demanding sub-set of what is often called close-up or macro-photography. In days gone by (using transparency film) matters were very much more difficult than is the case today, with readily available digital cameras at all price levels.
Key issues include lighting and colour rendition, avoidance and control of reflections, backgrounds, and the shape and size of crystals. Having a good specimen to start with does help.
A specimen with well-displayed crystals, on a matrix of contrasting colour makes life a lot easier. Getting a ‘sexy’ image of small black crystals at the far end of a deep cavity in dark brown matrix is always going to be a challenge. Examples from back issues of The Mineralogical Record provide an interesting lesson in how the ‘art form’ has developed over the past few decades.
We’ll look at some of the ‘father figures’ David Green, Mick Cooper, Wendell Wilson, Jeff Scovil et al. and examine the equipment required, costs and a variety of techniques.
Finally, we’ll also have a look at some photos of nice specimens too!
