NATURAL HISTORY PHOTOGRAPHY The equipment of the naturalist photographer largely depends upon the subjects to which he intends to devote attention. (For example, the reader will find further useful and suggestive hints under such headings as " Insects," " Fish," " Birds," etc.) For much natural history photography a good reflex camera is essential. For photographing very shy birds and beasts, the improved type of telephoto lens, having an aperture of f/7 or f/io, and requiring only a comparatively short extension of camera to obtain on a small plate a large image of an object at a considerable distance, will be found of the greatest service. All cameras and tripods used should be strongly made and not have any bright metal fittings or highly polished surfaces to reflect the light and attract attention. The tripod may with advantage be painted a dull, dark green, and the camera and fittings dead black. A good, deep, easily-fitted hood for the front of the lens is desirable to cut off strong reflections on the front surfaces of the lens, which are often responsible for general flatness or hazy definition. The whole of the apparatus should pack into thoroughly water-proof cases, for the naturalist photographer may frequently have to face inclement weather. A well-made Alpine ruck
sack is a convenient receptacle for parts of the outfit when long distances have to be covered on foot. In selecting apparatus, weight must be considered, but for the sake of lightness and portability, strength and rigidity must not be sacrificed. The use of aluminium for any parts of photographic apparatus to be used in the field for natural history is a questionable advantage. If one is working within reach of the salt spray of the waves, or where sea water is likely to come in contact with the outfit, there will soon be trouble with any aluminium fittings. The tripod should be of well matured wood, and of the three-fold type, closing to a small space, and capable of considerable adjust ment for varying heights and inequalities of the ground. As it is important to obtain as faithful a monochrome rendering of the colours of the original subject as possible, isochromatic plates should always be used if there is sufficient light to obtain a good exposure. Prints should be made upon platinotype for preference, or bromide paper, so as to obtain all possible detail and gradation.