ABSTRACT
The practice of photographing fossils, minerals and geological samples blends the demanding craft of the scientific illustrator with the expressive aesthetics of a fine artist. Most cameras that fit into this category will have the ability to shoot in RAW format which is highly recommended simply because of the flexibility it provides in post-processing. Camera vibration can be an exasperating problem when photographing small subjects. The use of a heavy-duty tripod is an essential tool that is needed for the production of sharp images, especially when working with continuous light sources and long exposures. Sunlight can often be too harsh for photography but it is possible to manage using the right light modifiers. LED lights for photography are available in either daylight or tungsten balance, as well as bi-color. Reflectors, bounce cards, light baffles and diffusion material can be purchased commercially, but often a trip to the art supply store is better value.
