Around this time last year, we collaborated with biochemist/photographer Linden Gledhill to produce our Canon PIXMA 'sound sculptures' work. We thought it would be good to catch up with him to see what he's been up to since …
Q. Can you tell us a little bit about what you’ve been up to since we worked with you on the Canon PIXMA campaign?
I have continued to explore nature and I’ve concentrated my efforts on pushing the boundaries in two main areas. I now have the ability to do photomicrography at magnifications up 1000X by investing in a research grade microscope. This system is fitted with specialised 'Differential Interference Contrast' (DIC) optics that enable me to photograph completely transparent organisms without fixing or staining. I’ve modified this equipment by adding a high-speed flash tube, which allows me to photograph highly motile micro-organisms and their propulsion appendages called flagella. The results are visually stunning.
I’ve also continued to refine my high-speed 'insect in flight rig' and I’m now using a Canon EOS 5D Mark II in combination with a Canon MP-E65mm macro lens. This has enabled me to increase the resolving power of the system in the 1-5X magnification range. To challenge the system, I’ve been successfully imaging fruit flies in flight; these insects are no larger than a few millimetres.
Q. What kind of response did you get from the Canon PIXMA campaign as a photographer?
The paint figures were always very popular on my flickr site, however the Canon PIXMA campaign intensified this and my work was heavily blogged all over the web. This has led to other professional assignments and a number of online magazine articles including one for wired.com. The PIXMA advertisements within magazines, newspapers and on billboards led to family and friends 'paint splash' spotting.
Q. Can you tell us a bit about your new project in Peru and how it came about?
My high-speed photographic work and unique equipment were noticed by Jeff Cremer who has established Peru Photo Tours. This photo-tour company provides a number of photographic capabilities including focus stacking, gigapixel imaging, macro photography and large telephoto lenses, which amateur and professional photographers can gain access to within the Peruvian jungle. Jeff’s company works alongside a unique Ecotourism company Rainforest Expeditions, which operates three award-winning Amazon lodges: Posada Amazonas, Refugio Amazonas, and Tambopata Research Center.
Jeff and I took a seven-hour boat ride 150 kilometers up the Tambopata River where Rainforest Expeditions hosted us at their 18-room Tambopata Research Center (TRC). The main aim of our work was to use the high-speed insect in-flight rig within the jungle to capture flying exotic insects. This would also test the a new prototype shutter supplied by Cognisys Inc.
In the face of harsh operating conditions, including high humidity and temperature, the equipment held up for several days of imaging and we captured over 30 gigabytes of images. It was fascinating to see the diversity of organisms. This is the first times that this technology has been used in this way and we came away with images of insects in-flight that have never been seen before.
Q. The website talks a bit about how photographers are ‘a special breed of traveller’. Can you explain a bit about this as a thought from your perspective?
I think in many ways they have to be, especially if they are specialising in technically challenging photographic methods. For example, Jeff uses a 600mm telephoto lens which on its own weighs approximately 11 lb’s. Combine this with a dSLR and sturdy tripod, and even the shortest hikes become a challenge. The drive to obtain that special and unique shot often requires a photographer to endure extremely arduous conditions any time of the day or night.
Q. Can you talk a bit about the experience of your last tour and what the response to it has been?
As a child, I always dreamed of exploring Peru and spent time reading about the exotic wildlife. I was specifically interested in the huge numbers impressive butterflies. This dream came true when I was able to observe a large metallic blue Morpho butterfly effortlessly sailing through the lush green rainforest. It still amazes me that my personal interests and exploration of photography has led to these exceptional experiences. As Jeff’s phototour company grows, I may have the opportunity to lead photography courses within Peru, specialising in some of the macro techniques I have developed.
Q. Technique and technology-wise, can you explain a bit about how you got amazing shots like this (if it’s not giving up too many of your secrets)?
Even the best professional DSLR cameras react too slowly to capture fast moving insects. Typically, high-speed photography is done in a darkened room and the camera is used on bulb mode so its internal shutter is out of the way. A high-speed trigger system is then used to fire flash units which stop the action. However, this means this type of work cannot be done outside in daylight because the ambient light interferes with the image. This is where the high-speed prototype external shutter comes into play, with an opening time of 5.7ms (10x that of the camera shutter). This takes the place of the camera shutter and is used in combination with a dual beam laser system also developed by Cognisys. This equipment is mounted on a portable rig with a Canon 5D EOS Mk II and a Canon 100mm macro lens. The equipment is fully automated and controlled via a Cognisys StopShot module. When an insect passes through the intersection of the two laser beams, the external shutter is triggered. The controller then fires two flash guns, which are set at minimum power settings, resulting in a flash duration of approximately 25μs. This is sufficient to stop the motion of the insect and its wings, providing crisp clear images of the insects in flight. After the image is taken, the StopShot module refreshes the camera’s frame and readies the system for the next exposure.
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With thanks to Linden for both his time and use of his amazing images.