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Thursday, June 30, 2022

It has come to our attention that the Grand Prize winning image in our Great Outdoors 2021 photo contest is a composite of multiple images.

The photographer, Shashank Khanna, attempted to contact us to advise us of this prior to the final judging and announcement of the contest winners, but unfortunately his email was misfiled by our customer service team and this information was not available to our judges.

We have since been in communication with Mr. Khanna, and in the interest of fairness to all our contest entrants, he has offered to withdraw his submission. We accept his withdrawal. We regret any embarrassment this has caused Mr. Khanna and commend him for his honesty and transparency.

Accordingly, we are elevating the Second Prize and Third Prize winners to Grand Prize and Second Prize respectively and awarding the Third Prize to photographer George Garcia for his image, “Barren Valley Sunset.” The revised winning images are featured below.

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Photo By Gary Fua

Today’s Photo Of The Day is “Chronicles” by Gary Fua. Location: Zabriskie Point, Death Valley National Park.

Want to get your images in the running for a Photo of the Day feature? Photo of the Day is chosen from various galleries, including AssignmentsGalleries and Contests. Assignments have weekly winners that are featured on the website homepage, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To get your photos in the running, all you have to do is submit them.

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Nikon today introduced a relatively compact super-telephoto prime for its Z mirrorless system, the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S. The lens is a great option for wildlife and sports photographers who want a super-telephoto option that’s much lighter and more affordable than the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S.

Photo of the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S

NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S

The NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S weighs just 2.55 pounds—about 60 percent lighter than the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S at 6.5 pounds. It’s also much shorter at 9.2 inches in length versus 15 inches with the larger f/2.8 lens. The smaller, lighter design will make the lens much easier to shoot with handheld, and it includes built-in Vibration Reduction for up to 5.5 stops of image stabilization, or 6 stops when used with a Nikon Z 9 and that camera’s Synchro VR technology.

The lens is compatible with Nikon Z TC-1.4x and TC-2.0x teleconverters to achieve focal length equivalents up to 800mm. As an S-Line lens, the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S includes premium optical elements and extensive weather sealing. It also offers a Memory Recall capability to instantly return to a preset focal distance with the press of a button on the side of the lens.

Image illustrating the weather sealing locations of the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S

Weather sealing of the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S

Availability is expected next month, July 2022, with a list price of $3,249. That’s $10,750 less than the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S. For additional details, see the press release below.

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Nikon releases the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S super-telephoto prime lens for the Nikon Z mount system

Compact and Lightweight Super Telephoto Lens with Superior Sharpness and Clarity

MELVILLE, NY (June 29, 2022) –Today, Nikon Inc. has announced the release of the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S, adding yet another lens to the growing NIKKOR Z line. This super-telephoto prime lens is compatible with full-frame/FX-format Nikon Z mount mirrorless cameras, and offers both superior sharpness and clarity with a compact size and lightweight design.

Handheld shooting is easy with the lightest1 weight in its class, approximately 2.55 lbs (1,160 g, excluding tripod collar), and a total length of approximately 9.2 inches (234.5mm) providing superior agility and reducing fatigue over extended shooting sessions of wildlife, birds and sports photography. This lens is also compatible with the Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4× and the Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0×, expanding the ability to bring distant subjects even closer2. In addition, the lens offers excellent balance by shifting the center of gravity closer to the camera for more stable operation during handheld shooting.

The NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S belongs to the S-Line lens series that pursues the ultimate in optical performance, and is constructed with one ED glass element, two Super ED glass elements, and one SR lens element. This contributes greatly to the compact size and light weight while delivering superior optical performance in which chromatic aberration is suppressed. The adoption of Nano Crystal Coat also contributes to effectively reduce ghost and flare effects, achieving clearer images and accurate depiction of even the finest details of distant subjects.

With a maximum aperture of f/4.5, the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S realizes three-dimensional rendering that makes the intended subject stand out. It is also equipped with an optical vibration reduction (VR) mechanism that provides a superior compensation effect equivalent to shooting at a shutter speed 5.5 stops3 faster, which is the highest among NIKKOR Z lenses4, in addition, a stepping motor (STM) supports fast and precise AF control for certain capture of erratically moving subjects, such as sports.

Primary Features:

  • Handheld shooting is easy with the lightest weight in its class of approximately 1,160 g (excluding the tripod collar) and a total length of approximately 234.5 mm.
  • Focal length can be extended to 560 mm with the Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4× and 800 mm with the Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0× (both released in August 2020), while maintaining outstanding resolution.
  • Employs an optical vibration reduction (VR) function with an effect equivalent to a shutter speed 5.5 stops faster, which is the highest among NIKKOR Z lenses. When paired with the Nikon Z 9, optical VR can be combined with in-camera VR for even more powerful camera shake compensation—equivalent to a shutter speed 6.0 stops5 faster with Synchro VR.
  • Designed with consideration for video recording, including a focus-breathing compensation function which effectively reduces shifting of the angle of view when focusing, and stable exposure.
  • The employment of an STM ensures high-speed and accurate AF with quiet operational sounds.
  • Superior dust- and drip-resistant performance6 and anti-fouling performance with the adoption of fluorine coat.
  • Employs the Memory Recall function7that instantly recalls focus positions that have been stored in advance, via pressing an assigned button.
  • Nikon’s original Nano Crystal Coat is adopted to effectively reduce ghost and flare effects.
  • Chromatic aberration is significantly reduced via the adoption of one ED and two Super ED glass elements. In addition, the adoption of an SR lens element controls short-wavelength light that is difficult to compensate, achieving highly precise chromatic aberration compensation.

Pricing and Availability

The NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S lens will be available starting in July 2022 for a suggested retail price (SRP) $3,249.95*.  For more information about the latest Nikon products, including other NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire collection of Z series cameras, please visit nikonusa.com.

Specifications, equipment, and release dates are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.

  1. Among f/4.5 and slower lenses, including those with a focal length of 400 mm, for interchangeable-lens cameras equipped with a full-frame (35mm [135] equivalent) image sensor available as of June 29, 2022. Statement based on Nikon research.
  2. AF performance may deteriorate depending on the subject, brightness and focus position regardless of the camera body, causing inaccurate focus, slow focusing speed or flashing of the focus indicator.
  3. Based on CIPA Standard. This value is achieved when attached to a camera with full-frame/Nikon FX-format sensor, with the camera’s VR function set to “NORMAL”.
  4. As of June 29, 2022.
  5. Based on CIPA Standard. With the camera’s VR function set to “NORMAL”.
  6. Thorough dust and drip resistance is not guaranteed in all situations or under all conditions.
  7. The cameras compatible with this function are the Z 9, Z 7II, Z 6II, and Z 30 only at the timing of the product release. When using the function, the firmware for cameras must be updated to the latest version. For other models, this function will be supported via later firmware updates.

*SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

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Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Photo By Craig Bill

Today’s Photo Of The Day is “Garden of the Gods” by Craig Bill. Location: Yosemite National Park, California.

“Hiking the summit of Glacier Point in California’s Yosemite National Park and taking in all the action of nature!” says Craig Bill.

See more of Craig Bill’s photography at CraigBill.com.

Want to get your images in the running for a Photo of the Day feature? Photo of the Day is chosen from various galleries, including AssignmentsGalleries and Contests. Assignments have weekly winners that are featured on the website homepage, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To get your photos in the running, all you have to do is submit them.

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Tuesday, June 28, 2022

Photo By Linn Smith

Today’s Photo Of The Day is “Serious Responsibility” by Linn Smith. Location: Oviedo, Florida.

“With meticulous care, a white ibis takes time to arrange and check for any imperfections in order to keep its feathers in perfect condition,” says Smith.

Want to get your images in the running for a Photo of the Day feature? Photo of the Day is chosen from various galleries, including AssignmentsGalleries and Contests. Assignments have weekly winners that are featured on the website homepage, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To get your photos in the running, all you have to do is submit them.

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Monday, June 27, 2022

Photo By Christopher Mills

Today’s Photo Of The Day is “Katahdin Reflections” by Christopher Mills. Location: Baxter State Park, Piscataquis County, Maine.

“After spending a night in a tent at Roaring Brook Campground in Baxter State Park, I woke up at 4 a.m. and started hiking to Sandy Stream Pond,” explains Mills. “I got to the pond about 10 minutes before sunrise and made my way out to what they call ‘Big Rock’ and set up my camera and tripod and waited for the sun to rise. Mount Katahdin was being hugged by a few clouds left over from the thunderstorms of the day before. The pond was so still as the golden light from sunrise hit the mountain creating a perfect reflection. It was a perfect morning.”

Want to get your images in the running for a Photo of the Day feature? Photo of the Day is chosen from various galleries, including AssignmentsGalleries and Contests. Assignments have weekly winners that are featured on the website homepage, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To get your photos in the running, all you have to do is submit them.

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There are numerous factors that impact the sharpness of an image. There are also numerous strategies you can utilize to attain the necessary sharpness in your subjects. Some are basic and some aren’t so obvious. But even the most professional photographers sometimes get lazy and wind up with images rendered unusable due to a lack of sharpness. Here I’ll discuss some strategies, from those that are ultra-basic to those that aren’t so obvious, for consistently obtaining sharp photos. Be sure to adhere to them all for consistent results. 

Use A Stable Tripod

To obtain sharp photos, use a stable tripod. I emphasize “stable” because too many photographers purchase a tripod that’s easy and light to carry but, in actuality, if it’s exhaled on, it moves! Just simply using a tripod doesn’t ensure sharp photos. I fully understand the burden of carrying a tripod, but if it’s too unstable to serve its purpose, all it does is provide a false sense of security. On the other hand, too heavy a tripod is overkill and counterproductive.

The size of the tripod should be governed by the longest focal length lens needed to make the shot. The longer the lens, the heavier and more stable the tripod. Carbon fiber tripods are more expensive but are lighter in weight and therefore easier to carry. Purchase a tripod based on the “Flick Test.” Place your longest lens on the head and flick the middle leg with your finger. Look through the viewfinder and if the camera moves, the tripod isn’t stable enough. A practical tripod shouldn’t wiggle with the camera on it, be impacted by light wind or give the impression it’s been fasting for the past three weeks.

Here are two additional and very beneficial tripod suggestions: Avoid raising the center post to gain height—especially with longer focal length lenses. The stability factor decreases tenfold; And just because a tripod can be raised to six feet, try to avoid extending the bottom thinnest tube as the thicker two on the top provide more stability.

Say you purchase the perfect tripod, but in the photography world, you’re what we call a “shutter jabber.” Even with the camera mounted to a good tripod, shutter jabbers introduce movement each time a photo is made. Shutter speeds in the neighborhood of 1/30th of a second readily reveal this motion. A cable release prevents this transfer of movement from the shutter finger to the camera body since the shutter is tripped electronically. Alternative ways to trip the shutter are via the use of the self-timer or a remote release.

Mirror Lock-Up

If you still own a camera with a mirror, mirror lock-up is a great feature, especially with macro or long lenses. Both greatly magnify the subject. As magnification increases, so does poor technique. Specifically needed apertures often necessitate shutter speeds between 1/2 and 1/45 of a second. These speeds are notorious for causing cameras to vibrate due to mirror slap. When the mirror is in the up position, the slap is eliminated, which keeps the camera steady during the exposure.

Depth Of Field

Depth of field affects whether you obtain sharp photos. As the lens is stopped down from Æ’/4 to Æ’/22, the range of sharpness increases. This has tremendous impact controlling how the main subject separates from the background. In portraiture, it’s common to use long lenses at wide open apertures. The subject is offset against an out-of-focus background. The subject jumps out from the background and makes it look tack sharp. Alternatively, in landscape photography, a more successful image is made when everything from the foreground to the background is in focus. This often dictates the use of wide-angle lenses with chosen apertures of Æ’/16 or Æ’/22. In both cases, tripods are essential.

Focus Point Placement

I photograph a lot of wildlife. The most critical plane of focus is the eye, so I make sure I move the focus sensor over the eye. If you’re a photographer who doesn’t constantly move the focus sensor point for every photo you make, break out the manual and learn how to move it so the essential plane is the sharpest. Properly placing the focus sensor point should be under your control. My right thumb has developed callouses due to the workout it receives when I move the sensor to all areas of the viewfinder.

Image Stabilization/Vibration Reduction

All photographers have been in circumstances where a grab shot is needed. There’s simply not enough time to set up a tripod. Image stabilization to the rescue. Some cameras have it built in to the body as do some lenses, especially those with longer focal lengths. Some body/lens combos recommend it’s switched on only when needed while other systems state it’s fine to leave engaged all the time. Again, break out the manual and learn how to incorporate it into your repertoire.

Shutter Speed

Focal length has a huge impact on whether you obtain sharp photos. The longer the lens, the greater the difficulty to get tack-sharp end results. The more a subject a magnified, the more you magnify technical errors. The rule of thumb is you can handhold a lens that’s 1/reciprocal focal length. So, if you have a 300mm lens, the slowest recommended shutter speed you should use is 1/300th of a second. With a 50mm lens, it would be 1/50th second. Image stabilization provides wiggle room.

Implied Sharpness Via Depth Of Field

It’s quite simple to minimize depth of field. Choose the longest lens suitable for the shot, set it at its widest aperture and place the subject a good distance from the background. To gain more depth of field, stop the lens down to a small aperture, choose a wide-angle lens and move farther away from the subject.

But it takes a bit more to maximize depth of field. To obtain the greatest amount of depth of field, it depends on where in the scene the point of focus is placed. Focus one-third into the scene to provide the greatest depth of field. The term commonly associated with this is hyperfocal distance. There are charts available free on the internet. Stop the lens down to a small aperture. Use as wide an angle lens as possible as they provide more depth of focus.

Another way to increase apparent sharpness is to make sure the subject is parallel to the film plane. A butterfly with open wings fills the frame. The ambient light dictates an aperture of Æ’/8. Your friend is next to you and directly above the butterfly with his camera parallel to its wings. You’re set up to your friend’s side. Your friend gets wing tip to wing tip sharpness because his film plane is parallel to the butterfly. Because you’re shooting the butterfly from an angle, parts of the wings will be sharp while other sections are soft.

Quick Tips For Sharper Photos:

  • Always use a tripod to attain the sharpest possible image.
  • Buy the highest quality lenses you can afford.
  • Use the lowest possible ISO for the given lighting conditions.
  • Use a cable release to trip the shutter even if the camera is on a tripod.
  • Use a tree, fence or another object to support the camera if a tripod isn’t available.
  • Use mirror lock-up, especially with shutter speeds in the 1/2 to 1/45th sec range.
  • Buy top-quality filters and keep them clean.
  • Use depth of field to your best advantage.
  • Use shutter speeds fast enough to cancel subject movement.
  • Invest in image-stabilized lenses/camera bodies.

To learn more about this subject, join me on a photo safari to Tanzania. Visit www.russburdenphotography.com to get more information.

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Sunday, June 26, 2022

Photo By Elie Wolf

Today’s Photo Of The Day is “Grizzly Mountain” by Elie Wolf.

“The moment I took this image will no doubt stay with me, just as ‘Simba In My Heart’ from the Serengeti has; some things you just don’t forget,” says Wolf. “I knew this grizzly sow was coming, and I was so darn lucky to have been in a good spot in front of a beautiful backdrop. I waited for her to walk into the frame, and she did it magnificently. She was one of a mating couple I had the privilege of seeing on this day, and it made a wonderful birthday present for me. Someone later told me that she was one of Raspberry’s offspring, but I do not know if that is accurate or not.”

Want to get your images in the running for a Photo of the Day feature? Photo of the Day is chosen from various galleries, including AssignmentsGalleries and Contests. Assignments have weekly winners that are featured on the website homepage, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To get your photos in the running, all you have to do is submit them.

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Saturday, June 25, 2022

Photo By Dean Cobin

Today’s Photo Of The Day is “Night Lights 4” by Dean Cobin. Location: Yellowknife, Canada.

“Shot along the Ingram Trial in Yellowknife, Canada’s Northwest Territories, a few hundred miles from the Arctic Circle,” explains Cobin. “Having been here several times to shoot the Auroras, I find that fall is the best time. Milder temperatures and the fact that the lakes have not frozen yet allows for the reflective surfaces of the water to be integrated into your composition.”

Want to get your images in the running for a Photo of the Day feature? Photo of the Day is chosen from various galleries, including AssignmentsGalleries and Contests. Assignments have weekly winners that are featured on the website homepage, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To get your photos in the running, all you have to do is submit them.

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With the right gear and techniques, you can capture incredible landscape images that incorporate star trails, the moon, the Milky Way, meteor showers and lunar eclipses. Check out the 23 images below, and get inspired to explore what the night sky has to offer with your camera.

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“Milky way at the famous McWay Falls, Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Monterey County, California.”

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Friday, June 24, 2022

Photo By Zeralda La Grange

Today’s Photo Of The Day is “An Infrared Swamp” by Zeralda La Grange.

“I have been pointing an infrared camera at my local surroundings to see the world in a different view,” says La Grange. “I love infrared for its creativity but mostly because it takes the common and makes it uncommon. It takes the things that we take for granted and just don’t really see because they are around us all the time and makes them shine in a new light.”

Want to get your images in the running for a Photo of the Day feature? Photo of the Day is chosen from various galleries, including AssignmentsGalleries and Contests. Assignments have weekly winners that are featured on the website homepage, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To get your photos in the running, all you have to do is submit them.

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Thursday, June 23, 2022

Today’s Photo Of The Day is “Jensen Botanical Garden Ladybug Macro” by Beth Young. Location: Carmichael, California.

“I ventured to my local botanical garden very close to my house to capture a series of airy, spring images taken in the early morning after a fresh rain,” explains Young. “Dew lightly covered the plants and flowers for some fun macro opportunities.”

See more of Beth Young’s photography at www.optimalfocusphotography.com.

Want to get your images in the running for a Photo of the Day feature? Photo of the Day is chosen from various galleries, including AssignmentsGalleries and Contests. Assignments have weekly winners that are featured on the website homepage, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To get your photos in the running, all you have to do is submit them.

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Congratulations to David Connel for winning the recent A Fresh Perspective For Earth Day Assignment with the image, “Mother and Child.”

View the winning image and a selection of submissions in the gallery below. And be sure to check out our current photography assignment here and enter your best shots!

[See image gallery at www.outdoorphotographer.com]

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Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Photo By Tom Arnhold

Today’s Photo Of The Day is “Fly Away” by Tom Arnhold.

Want to get your images in the running for a Photo of the Day feature? Photo of the Day is chosen from various galleries, including AssignmentsGalleries and Contests. Assignments have weekly winners that are featured on the website homepage, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. To get your photos in the running, all you have to do is submit them.

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Photo of a scientific researcher walking along the edge of a melt pond

A scientist walks along the edge of a melt pond in the Arctic Ocean to take a water sample. My eye was immediately drawn to the strong landscape composition made by the ice “island” in the melt pond. I anticipated the scientist’s route and started shooting as she walked into the frame. Photo credit: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Chris Linder. Nikon D2Xs, AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED. Exposure: 1/250 sec., Æ’/11, ISO 100.

From the polar regions to tropical rainforests, I have visited the literal ends of the planet during my 20-year career as a science and conservation photographer. Regardless of the subject matter or location, my mission on each assignment is the same: Use photography to educate the public about how environmental scientists study the natural world. For me, there is no greater reward than putting my photographs to work teaching and inspiring people, whether it’s through a museum exhibit or a slideshow presented to kids at my local elementary school. I want them to vicariously experience the adventure of working in nature and the thrill of making new discoveries.

An Unexpected Journey

My career path has taken many unexpected turns, but every experience has contributed to inform my approach to photography today. Growing up, I liked nothing better than being outside, usually up to my knees in mud in a nearby stream or pond. I was enthralled by The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau television program and set my sights on studying the oceans.

I followed my dream to the U.S. Naval Academy, where I majored in oceanography, and afterward earned a master’s degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology & Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. I then served in the Navy as a meteorologist in Spain, and this is where I picked up a camera for the first time. I was instantly hooked on photography and used every opportunity to explore the natural parks of southern Spain with my camera.

When I left the Navy and returned to Woods Hole Oceanographic as a researcher, I brought my love of photography with me. While working as a member of the scientific crew on oceanography expeditions, I began to photograph the experience of being at sea and my colleagues at work. My two obsessions—science and photography—were united at last, and I set out to create a new niche for myself as a science photographer.

Image of broken glacial ice from the deck of a boat

Looking down on the main deck of the icebreaker from above, I wanted to communicate the size of the broken slabs of multi-year sea ice sliding by the side of the ship. Once I had refined my composition and settings, I waited for the perfect arrangement of ice slabs to flow by. This photograph was used for one of the daily slideshows I produced for the Polar Discovery project, an educational “live from” virtual experience funded by the National Science Foundation and produced in conjunction with professional science writers and web designers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Later, it also became the cover photograph for my hardcover book, Science on Ice: Four Polar Expeditions. Photo credit: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Chris Linder. Nikon D2Xs, AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED. Exposure: 1/400 sec., Æ’/7.1, ISO 400.

I was an early convert to digital photography and quickly realized how this new technology could transform science storytelling. With my new digital camera (at the time, a Nikon D100) and a portable satellite-based modem, I could illustrate the day-to-day operations of scientific expeditions from anywhere in the world.

During the 2007-2008 International Polar Year, I applied for and was awarded a grant from the National Science Foundation to document a series of polar expeditions from the Greenland ice sheet to Ross Island, Antarctica. I assembled a team of freelance science writers, plus web and graphic designers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, to create our expedition blog website (polardiscovery.whoi.edu). To increase our reach, I also enlisted a network of science museums across the country to host live talks connecting museum audiences with scientists at work on the ice. After that project concluded, I created a hardcover book of polar expedition photography, Science on Ice: Four Polar Expeditions (University of Chicago Press), with essays contributed by the science writers.

To date, I have photographed 53 scientific projects and spent over two years of my life on assignment in the polar regions. Here, I will share the philosophy, tools and techniques I’ve used over the years to create photographs of science that both educate and inspire. 

A group of researchers hold a rope while practicing a rescue operation

One challenge of the “happy camper” survival class at the National Science Foundation McMurdo Station research base in Antarctica is a team exercise to simulate finding a colleague lost in a blizzard. To replicate whiteout conditions, the students wear buckets on their heads. I positioned myself so that the line of trainees formed a curving line leading into the frame. The face drawn on the nearest bucket helmet facing me was a lucky gift. Photo credit: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Chris Linder. Nikon D2Xs, AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED. Exposure: 1/640 sec., Æ’/8, ISO 100.

Eyes In The Field

The need for environmental advocates has never been more urgent. Climate change, pollution, loss of habitat and biodiversity—the list of challenges facing the natural world grows every year. As storytellers, we can make a difference. Very few scientists have the skills, time or funding to produce high-quality photographs and video to visually document their work. That’s where photographers come in. With our expertise, we can help scientists reach a broader public audience, inspire more people to care about conserving wild places and protecting threatened species, and raise awareness about the impacts of climate change and pollution.

Our challenge as storytellers is to seek out the story arc and then determine what photographs will illustrate it. In addition to the obvious who, what, where and why, I also photograph behind-the-scenes moments on an expedition—overcoming logistical hurdles, deploying instruments, and in some cases simply surviving the elements. These supporting scenes flesh out the larger story of the expedition as a whole and put human faces on the data and discoveries. It’s all part of revealing a hidden world that few are privileged to see, the complex inner workings of science expeditions.

I have never felt so energized as when I’m working on an expedition. There is tremendous pressure—you never seem to have enough time—but making art under pressure can often lead to breakthroughs. At the end of the day, the satisfaction of knowing that you’re working to make a difference for the planet is what matters.

Photo of a chemist taking a water sample in the rainforest

A wide-angle lens allowed me to include the dense jungle vegetation in this photo of a river chemist from the Woodwell Climate Research Center taking a water sample in the Congo rainforest. I used the still photographs, video clips and interviews to craft a six-minute multimedia video about the expedition. Canon EOS 5D Mark II, Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM. Exposure: 1/80 sec., Æ’/6.3, ISO 400.

Finding A Project

Embarking on a new project can be a bit intimidating. My advice is to start locally. Find a nonprofit conservation organization, college or research institution in your area and browse their staff or faculty’s ongoing projects. Look for research topics that resonate with you.

Before firing off an email, do some background work. If you’re interested in working with a specific scientist, for example, read their most recent published papers. Even if you don’t understand everything in the papers, you should get a better feel for that person’s work, and you will have some talking points to break the ice.

In that first conversation, I recommend having a list of reasons why the scientist should work with you. Firstly, what excites you about their work? How are you going to use photography to bring their science to a broader audience? Do you have partner organizations you are working with (museums, magazines, a local school) to help enhance the exposure of the photographs? Are you working alone or collaborating with a writer or other artist?

Assuming this first conversation goes well, and you’ve been invited to join some fieldwork, it’s time to get down to planning for the shoot.

A researcher measuring icicles

The salty icicles hanging from a slab of upturned sea ice made a perfect frame for this portrait of a scientist at work on a NASA project studying arctic sea ice. The photographs from this expedition were used by NASA and collaborating scientists for an educational website and presentations. Nikon D3S, AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm F2.8G ED. Exposure 1/160 sec., Æ’/22, ISO 800.

Pre-Shoot Planning

The first thing I do when planning for an expedition is to interview the scientists and staff about exactly what they will be doing in the field. Some of the questions I typically ask include: How will we get around in the field? What instruments will they use? And, most importantly, what are they hoping to learn? Essentially, I aim to understand as much as I possibly can about the project before we begin.

Next, I make a list of every conceivable image that I think I will need to tell the story—knowing full well that once I get into the field, that list will inevitably change. I divide the list into several categories: scene setting (landscapes, the big picture), scientists at work, and detail shots. Extensive planning and previsualizing help me decide what gear I will bring and how I will carry it. The planning process can take hours to weeks, depending on the complexity of the project and the remoteness of the location. 

Choosing Equipment

I use a diverse array of photographic tools depending on the specific needs of the project. This is why it is so critical to understand the logistics and exactly how the scientists will collect their data. Are they collecting water samples from a small boat? Will I be able to get into the water, or will I have to shoot over the side? I often practice specific setups at home so that I can work more efficiently in the field. As an example, I recently published a hardcover book about Arctic permafrost thaw and, after talking to the science team, decided that a photograph of methane bubbles coming out of the lakes was a critical concept. To get that image, I needed an underwater housing for my DSLR and a wetsuit, plus hours of practice.

Underwater photo of the Alvin submersible research vehicle

The iconic manned research submersible Alvin, operated by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, returns to the surface after a dive in the Gulf of Mexico. I used an AquaTech water housing with a large dome port to capture the action above and below the ocean’s surface. The photographs from this expedition were used by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution to educate the public about recent upgrades to the submersible’s capabilities. Photo credit: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Chris Linder. Nikon D800, AF-S NIKKOR 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED, AquaTech water housing. Exposure: 1/250 sec., Æ’/11, ISO 720.

When I am photographing scientists as they do their work, I typically use two cameras, one with a standard focal length zoom (24-70mm) for establishing shots and scientists at work in the environment, and another with a telephoto zoom (100-400mm) for details. This two-camera setup covers 95 percent of my needs. Occasionally—for example, working on very small boats where I can’t back up—I will use a wider 14-24mm zoom. Depending on the project, I may also bring a 105mm macro lens for photographs of scientific samples. If scientists are working with wildlife, I will bring my favorite telephoto lens, the AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR.

I also pack a variety of portable lights, including a continuous LED light and two small hotshoe flashes with collapsible softboxes. I bring a heavy-duty Gitzo tripod and Really Right Stuff ball head for landscape photographs but shoot handheld when photographing scientists at work. My general approach to equipment is “less is more.” I prefer to travel fast and light, since getting the shot often means I have to jog ahead of scientists moving through the landscape to get into position.

Creative Development

Photographing science stories requires a generalist approach to photography. Landscapes, aerials, people, wildlife and macro photographs may all be needed to tell the full story. What I may personally like to photograph doesn’t enter into the equation; every photograph must advance the story. Otherwise, it’s precious time wasted in the field.

Indeed, one of the most challenging—and fulfilling—aspects of expedition photography is being forced to work outside of your comfort zone. You might really love landscape photography and be a bit shy or uncomfortable photographing people, for example. Forcing yourself to learn how to make competent photographs in other genres helps you to grow as a photographer. Every time you push that shutter button, you should be learning and honing your craft. You may even surprise yourself and fall in love with a new genre, technique or style of shooting.

Photo of a researcher peering through a hole cored through sea ice

A scientist from University of Washington peers through a hole cored through sea ice in the Beaufort Sea. I had to slide my camera under the ice slab to get this unique angle looking up through the ice. The sunlight filtering through the ice gave it a beautiful blue color. Nikon D3S, AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm F2.8G ED. Exposure 1/125 sec., Æ’/16, ISO 400.

Typically, the most important image on my shot list is one that shows scientists working in the context of the landscape. Examples include penguin scientists dwarfed by a colony of thousands of birds or a river chemist taking samples from the bank of a glacial stream. This kind of “story backbone” image informs the viewers where the events are taking place, who is doing the work, and what the scientists are studying.

I begin hunting for these types of images early in the project by first searching for a compelling landscape image. After finding this ideal backdrop, I make a mental note of the best time of day for the light and where I need to stand to capture the action. I coordinate with the scientists ahead of time, so I can always be one step ahead, asking where they plan to work for the day and scouting the location before they arrive. I then set up early to capture the moment when the scientists move into this preset frame.

I very rarely pose or direct my subjects as I prefer not to slow down or interfere with the scientists’ work. I also always have a camera with me because magic moments often happen organically, and a specific combination of light, weather and action may never come together a second time.

Partnering To Increase Impact

Now that you’ve photographed your story and have a brilliant selection of photographs, the next question is what do you do with them? How do you get your story seen, and what will the depth of the impact be? This is where the real hard work starts.

Graphic photograph of the tip of a boat breaking through ice

To frame an abstract, bird’s-eye perspective of icebreaking aboard the U.S. Coast Guard vessel Healy in the Bering Sea, I held my camera on a monopod out over the ship’s bow and triggered the shutter remotely. Photo credit: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Chris Linder. Nikon D700, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm F2.8G ED. Exposure: 1/1250 sec., Æ’/8, ISO 400.

For any given project, I probably spend a third of the time researching and preparing, a third actually shooting, and a third trying to get those photographs seen. With the exponential explosion of digital photographs (an estimated 1.43 trillion taken in 2020 alone), it has never been a tougher time to stand out from the crowd. Even if you’ve taken the best photographs the world has ever seen, if you just put them on your personal website or social media, how many people will actually see them, and what kind of impact will they have?

While social media provides some easy metrics in the number of likes or shares, how meaningful is someone clicking a like button? This is why partnerships with education and media professionals are critical. Lean on their expertise in knowing how to reach and engage with their audience. This is another opportunity to exercise creativity since there is such a wide variety of possibilities. Some of the partners I have made over the years include magazines, museums, nature sanctuaries, blogs, nonprofit organizations, book publishers and K-12 schools.

You should begin the process of choosing an outreach partner as soon as you’ve identified the science project and make sure that the science team is comfortable with your outreach method. This part of the project can honestly be the most fun, especially if you have some face-to-face element of your outreach. There is no substitute for seeing people’s reactions to your work and knowing that you have made a lasting impression.

Making A Difference

My final advice is to start small and local. Begin a conversation with a scientist working in your area or inquire about conservation efforts in your community. Visit museums or nature sanctuaries and ask how they use photography and if they host lectures. Personal connections nurtured over time will lead to more connections and more ambitious projects. Nature needs our help, so consider using your skills and expertise to make a difference. 


See more of Chris Linder’s work at chrislinder.com. Learn about Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution at whoi.edu.

The post Seeing For Science appeared first on Outdoor Photographer.



from Outdoor Photographer https://www.outdoorphotographer.com/on-location/featured-stories/seeing-for-science/
Photo of a scientific researcher walking along the edge of a melt pond

A scientist walks along the edge of a melt pond in the Arctic Ocean to take a water sample. My eye was immediately drawn to the strong landscape composition made by the ice “island” in the melt pond. I anticipated the scientist’s route and started shooting as she walked into the frame. Photo credit: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Chris Linder. Nikon D2Xs, AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED. Exposure: 1/250 sec., Æ’/11, ISO 100.

From the polar regions to tropical rainforests, I have visited the literal ends of the planet during my 20-year career as a science and conservation photographer. Regardless of the subject matter or location, my mission on each assignment is the same: Use photography to educate the public about how environmental scientists study the natural world. For me, there is no greater reward than putting my photographs to work teaching and inspiring people, whether it’s through a museum exhibit or a slideshow presented to kids at my local elementary school. I want them to vicariously experience the adventure of working in nature and the thrill of making new discoveries.

An Unexpected Journey

My career path has taken many unexpected turns, but every experience has contributed to inform my approach to photography today. Growing up, I liked nothing better than being outside, usually up to my knees in mud in a nearby stream or pond. I was enthralled by The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau television program and set my sights on studying the oceans.

I followed my dream to the U.S. Naval Academy, where I majored in oceanography, and afterward earned a master’s degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology & Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. I then served in the Navy as a meteorologist in Spain, and this is where I picked up a camera for the first time. I was instantly hooked on photography and used every opportunity to explore the natural parks of southern Spain with my camera.

When I left the Navy and returned to Woods Hole Oceanographic as a researcher, I brought my love of photography with me. While working as a member of the scientific crew on oceanography expeditions, I began to photograph the experience of being at sea and my colleagues at work. My two obsessions—science and photography—were united at last, and I set out to create a new niche for myself as a science photographer.

Image of broken glacial ice from the deck of a boat

Looking down on the main deck of the icebreaker from above, I wanted to communicate the size of the broken slabs of multi-year sea ice sliding by the side of the ship. Once I had refined my composition and settings, I waited for the perfect arrangement of ice slabs to flow by. This photograph was used for one of the daily slideshows I produced for the Polar Discovery project, an educational “live from” virtual experience funded by the National Science Foundation and produced in conjunction with professional science writers and web designers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Later, it also became the cover photograph for my hardcover book, Science on Ice: Four Polar Expeditions. Photo credit: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Chris Linder. Nikon D2Xs, AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED. Exposure: 1/400 sec., Æ’/7.1, ISO 400.

I was an early convert to digital photography and quickly realized how this new technology could transform science storytelling. With my new digital camera (at the time, a Nikon D100) and a portable satellite-based modem, I could illustrate the day-to-day operations of scientific expeditions from anywhere in the world.

During the 2007-2008 International Polar Year, I applied for and was awarded a grant from the National Science Foundation to document a series of polar expeditions from the Greenland ice sheet to Ross Island, Antarctica. I assembled a team of freelance science writers, plus web and graphic designers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, to create our expedition blog website (polardiscovery.whoi.edu). To increase our reach, I also enlisted a network of science museums across the country to host live talks connecting museum audiences with scientists at work on the ice. After that project concluded, I created a hardcover book of polar expedition photography, Science on Ice: Four Polar Expeditions (University of Chicago Press), with essays contributed by the science writers.

To date, I have photographed 53 scientific projects and spent over two years of my life on assignment in the polar regions. Here, I will share the philosophy, tools and techniques I’ve used over the years to create photographs of science that both educate and inspire. 

A group of researchers hold a rope while practicing a rescue operation

One challenge of the “happy camper” survival class at the National Science Foundation McMurdo Station research base in Antarctica is a team exercise to simulate finding a colleague lost in a blizzard. To replicate whiteout conditions, the students wear buckets on their heads. I positioned myself so that the line of trainees formed a curving line leading into the frame. The face drawn on the nearest bucket helmet facing me was a lucky gift. Photo credit: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Chris Linder. Nikon D2Xs, AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED. Exposure: 1/640 sec., Æ’/8, ISO 100.

Eyes In The Field

The need for environmental advocates has never been more urgent. Climate change, pollution, loss of habitat and biodiversity—the list of challenges facing the natural world grows every year. As storytellers, we can make a difference. Very few scientists have the skills, time or funding to produce high-quality photographs and video to visually document their work. That’s where photographers come in. With our expertise, we can help scientists reach a broader public audience, inspire more people to care about conserving wild places and protecting threatened species, and raise awareness about the impacts of climate change and pollution.

Our challenge as storytellers is to seek out the story arc and then determine what photographs will illustrate it. In addition to the obvious who, what, where and why, I also photograph behind-the-scenes moments on an expedition—overcoming logistical hurdles, deploying instruments, and in some cases simply surviving the elements. These supporting scenes flesh out the larger story of the expedition as a whole and put human faces on the data and discoveries. It’s all part of revealing a hidden world that few are privileged to see, the complex inner workings of science expeditions.

I have never felt so energized as when I’m working on an expedition. There is tremendous pressure—you never seem to have enough time—but making art under pressure can often lead to breakthroughs. At the end of the day, the satisfaction of knowing that you’re working to make a difference for the planet is what matters.

Photo of a chemist taking a water sample in the rainforest

A wide-angle lens allowed me to include the dense jungle vegetation in this photo of a river chemist from the Woodwell Climate Research Center taking a water sample in the Congo rainforest. I used the still photographs, video clips and interviews to craft a six-minute multimedia video about the expedition. Canon EOS 5D Mark II, Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM. Exposure: 1/80 sec., Æ’/6.3, ISO 400.

Finding A Project

Embarking on a new project can be a bit intimidating. My advice is to start locally. Find a nonprofit conservation organization, college or research institution in your area and browse their staff or faculty’s ongoing projects. Look for research topics that resonate with you.

Before firing off an email, do some background work. If you’re interested in working with a specific scientist, for example, read their most recent published papers. Even if you don’t understand everything in the papers, you should get a better feel for that person’s work, and you will have some talking points to break the ice.

In that first conversation, I recommend having a list of reasons why the scientist should work with you. Firstly, what excites you about their work? How are you going to use photography to bring their science to a broader audience? Do you have partner organizations you are working with (museums, magazines, a local school) to help enhance the exposure of the photographs? Are you working alone or collaborating with a writer or other artist?

Assuming this first conversation goes well, and you’ve been invited to join some fieldwork, it’s time to get down to planning for the shoot.

A researcher measuring icicles

The salty icicles hanging from a slab of upturned sea ice made a perfect frame for this portrait of a scientist at work on a NASA project studying arctic sea ice. The photographs from this expedition were used by NASA and collaborating scientists for an educational website and presentations. Nikon D3S, AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm F2.8G ED. Exposure 1/160 sec., Æ’/22, ISO 800.

Pre-Shoot Planning

The first thing I do when planning for an expedition is to interview the scientists and staff about exactly what they will be doing in the field. Some of the questions I typically ask include: How will we get around in the field? What instruments will they use? And, most importantly, what are they hoping to learn? Essentially, I aim to understand as much as I possibly can about the project before we begin.

Next, I make a list of every conceivable image that I think I will need to tell the story—knowing full well that once I get into the field, that list will inevitably change. I divide the list into several categories: scene setting (landscapes, the big picture), scientists at work, and detail shots. Extensive planning and previsualizing help me decide what gear I will bring and how I will carry it. The planning process can take hours to weeks, depending on the complexity of the project and the remoteness of the location. 

Choosing Equipment

I use a diverse array of photographic tools depending on the specific needs of the project. This is why it is so critical to understand the logistics and exactly how the scientists will collect their data. Are they collecting water samples from a small boat? Will I be able to get into the water, or will I have to shoot over the side? I often practice specific setups at home so that I can work more efficiently in the field. As an example, I recently published a hardcover book about Arctic permafrost thaw and, after talking to the science team, decided that a photograph of methane bubbles coming out of the lakes was a critical concept. To get that image, I needed an underwater housing for my DSLR and a wetsuit, plus hours of practice.

Underwater photo of the Alvin submersible research vehicle

The iconic manned research submersible Alvin, operated by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, returns to the surface after a dive in the Gulf of Mexico. I used an AquaTech water housing with a large dome port to capture the action above and below the ocean’s surface. The photographs from this expedition were used by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution to educate the public about recent upgrades to the submersible’s capabilities. Photo credit: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Chris Linder. Nikon D800, AF-S NIKKOR 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED, AquaTech water housing. Exposure: 1/250 sec., Æ’/11, ISO 720.

When I am photographing scientists as they do their work, I typically use two cameras, one with a standard focal length zoom (24-70mm) for establishing shots and scientists at work in the environment, and another with a telephoto zoom (100-400mm) for details. This two-camera setup covers 95 percent of my needs. Occasionally—for example, working on very small boats where I can’t back up—I will use a wider 14-24mm zoom. Depending on the project, I may also bring a 105mm macro lens for photographs of scientific samples. If scientists are working with wildlife, I will bring my favorite telephoto lens, the AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR.

I also pack a variety of portable lights, including a continuous LED light and two small hotshoe flashes with collapsible softboxes. I bring a heavy-duty Gitzo tripod and Really Right Stuff ball head for landscape photographs but shoot handheld when photographing scientists at work. My general approach to equipment is “less is more.” I prefer to travel fast and light, since getting the shot often means I have to jog ahead of scientists moving through the landscape to get into position.

Creative Development

Photographing science stories requires a generalist approach to photography. Landscapes, aerials, people, wildlife and macro photographs may all be needed to tell the full story. What I may personally like to photograph doesn’t enter into the equation; every photograph must advance the story. Otherwise, it’s precious time wasted in the field.

Indeed, one of the most challenging—and fulfilling—aspects of expedition photography is being forced to work outside of your comfort zone. You might really love landscape photography and be a bit shy or uncomfortable photographing people, for example. Forcing yourself to learn how to make competent photographs in other genres helps you to grow as a photographer. Every time you push that shutter button, you should be learning and honing your craft. You may even surprise yourself and fall in love with a new genre, technique or style of shooting.

Photo of a researcher peering through a hole cored through sea ice

A scientist from University of Washington peers through a hole cored through sea ice in the Beaufort Sea. I had to slide my camera under the ice slab to get this unique angle looking up through the ice. The sunlight filtering through the ice gave it a beautiful blue color. Nikon D3S, AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm F2.8G ED. Exposure 1/125 sec., Æ’/16, ISO 400.

Typically, the most important image on my shot list is one that shows scientists working in the context of the landscape. Examples include penguin scientists dwarfed by a colony of thousands of birds or a river chemist taking samples from the bank of a glacial stream. This kind of “story backbone” image informs the viewers where the events are taking place, who is doing the work, and what the scientists are studying.

I begin hunting for these types of images early in the project by first searching for a compelling landscape image. After finding this ideal backdrop, I make a mental note of the best time of day for the light and where I need to stand to capture the action. I coordinate with the scientists ahead of time, so I can always be one step ahead, asking where they plan to work for the day and scouting the location before they arrive. I then set up early to capture the moment when the scientists move into this preset frame.

I very rarely pose or direct my subjects as I prefer not to slow down or interfere with the scientists’ work. I also always have a camera with me because magic moments often happen organically, and a specific combination of light, weather and action may never come together a second time.

Partnering To Increase Impact

Now that you’ve photographed your story and have a brilliant selection of photographs, the next question is what do you do with them? How do you get your story seen, and what will the depth of the impact be? This is where the real hard work starts.

Graphic photograph of the tip of a boat breaking through ice

To frame an abstract, bird’s-eye perspective of icebreaking aboard the U.S. Coast Guard vessel Healy in the Bering Sea, I held my camera on a monopod out over the ship’s bow and triggered the shutter remotely. Photo credit: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Chris Linder. Nikon D700, AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm F2.8G ED. Exposure: 1/1250 sec., Æ’/8, ISO 400.

For any given project, I probably spend a third of the time researching and preparing, a third actually shooting, and a third trying to get those photographs seen. With the exponential explosion of digital photographs (an estimated 1.43 trillion taken in 2020 alone), it has never been a tougher time to stand out from the crowd. Even if you’ve taken the best photographs the world has ever seen, if you just put them on your personal website or social media, how many people will actually see them, and what kind of impact will they have?

While social media provides some easy metrics in the number of likes or shares, how meaningful is someone clicking a like button? This is why partnerships with education and media professionals are critical. Lean on their expertise in knowing how to reach and engage with their audience. This is another opportunity to exercise creativity since there is such a wide variety of possibilities. Some of the partners I have made over the years include magazines, museums, nature sanctuaries, blogs, nonprofit organizations, book publishers and K-12 schools.

You should begin the process of choosing an outreach partner as soon as you’ve identified the science project and make sure that the science team is comfortable with your outreach method. This part of the project can honestly be the most fun, especially if you have some face-to-face element of your outreach. There is no substitute for seeing people’s reactions to your work and knowing that you have made a lasting impression.

Making A Difference

My final advice is to start small and local. Begin a conversation with a scientist working in your area or inquire about conservation efforts in your community. Visit museums or nature sanctuaries and ask how they use photography and if they host lectures. Personal connections nurtured over time will lead to more connections and more ambitious projects. Nature needs our help, so consider using your skills and expertise to make a difference. 


See more of Chris Linder’s work at chrislinder.com. Learn about Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution at whoi.edu.

The post Seeing For Science appeared first on Outdoor Photographer.



from Featured Stories – Outdoor Photographer https://www.outdoorphotographer.com/on-location/featured-stories/seeing-for-science/

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