Want to improve your identification?Â
Or, take some tips from WI Master Naturalist Instructor Kevin Hanley
Have one subject from multiple angles in each photo.
Always take more than one photo of a subject, especially insects.
Look for unique characteristics of any subject. Anything unique will help with identification.
If you are using a cell phone, make sure you turn your flash on. This will help decrease shadows and increase edge definition.
Remember, the closer you get to a subject, the less that will be in focus (limited depth of field).
When photographing fungi, make sure you also get a photo of the underneath part of the cap.
When photographing trees, photos of the bark, leaves and branching pattern are helpful.
With bees, make sure you photograph a view of the abdomen patterning. This is very important with bumble bees.
With butterflies, both sides of the wings are important in determining identification.