GAINESVILLE, Fla. — See a magnified view of dozens of specimens and artifacts in the new exhibit, “Depth of Field: Museum Specimens Up-close,” at the Florida Museum of Natural History.

The exhibit showcases objects from the museum’s collection through photographs captured with an advanced imaging system that combines a high-resolution microscope and 21 megapixel digital camera.

There are currently 16 pictures on display in the museum’s central gallery, and another 16 planned for future long-term display. The pictures feature a variety of specimens, including head lice, snails, ancient pottery and orchids.

“The photos give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at some of the current research going on at the museum” said Darcie MacMahon, Florida Museum assistant director for exhibits. “The images are intriguing to look at and tell interesting stories–we hope they’ll inspire people to learn about science.”

The state-of-the-art imaging system was purchased with funds from the National Science Foundation and custom-developed by Visionary Digital for museum researchers. It takes multiple photographs at different depths of field. The images are then assembled into a single high-resolution and magnified image.

Tina Choe, Florida Museum exhibit developer, explained the pictures allow researchers to study the objects online while keeping them housed safely in the museum.

“This camera system allows scientists to examine minute details of the specimens and artifacts,” she said. “Digitized collections can also facilitate collaborations with other institutions.” Bret Boyd, a genetics and genomics graduate student working in the museum, said faculty and students from across the museum and other University of Florida departments have used the camera as part of their research activities.

“Many researchers contributed their images and time to the exhibit to give visitors a unique look into the museum’s research activities,” Boyd said.

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Source: Darcie MacMahon, 352-273-2053, dmacmahon@flmnh.ufl.edu
Tina Choe, 352-273-2079, tchoe@flmnh.ufl.edu
Writer: Logan Gerber
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Museum of Natural History is accepting entries today through Sept. 9 for the third annual Pollinator Photography Contest. Winners will be announced Oct. 22 at the sixth annual ButterflyFest.

The national contest seeks to promote awareness of local pollinators through photography. All entries must include at least one pollinator, such as a bat, bee, bird, butterfly or moth.

Entry forms are available online at www.flmnh.ufl.edu/butterflyfest and at the Florida Museum of Natural History visitor services desk. Completed entries may be submitted in person at the museum or The Gainesville Sun, which is sponsoring the contest, or mailed to: Florida Museum Pollinator Photography Contest, P.O. Box 112710 Gainesville, FL 32611, or The Gainesville Sun, 2700 S.W. 13th St., Gainesville, FL 32608.

The contest offers two categories: adult, ages 18 and older; and junior, ages 10-17. Individuals may submit a maximum of three entries, which are $10 per photograph for the adult category and $8 per photograph for the junior category.

First- and second-place winners in each category will receive cash prizes and third-place winners will receive Butterfly Rainforest tickets. Winning entries and honorable mentions will be published in The Gainesville Sun on Oct. 23 and featured on the ButterflyFest website. The museum will also display winning photographs through Nov. 30 in its Central Gallery.

“The contest is an opportunity to showcase the talent of the lovers of bees, birds, butterflies and other pollinators and to possibly discover a hidden jewel,” said Florida Museum audiovisual coordinator Jeff Gage, who will serve as a contest judge.

Judges will select winning entries based on the depiction of the pollinator in its natural setting, the clarity, focus and attractiveness of the image and whether the photo was received or postmarked within the designated timeframe, between Aug. 22 and Sept. 9.

“Our environment produces photographic challenges and opportunities for all skill levels, so the judges are excited to see what images participants can capture,” Gage said.

For more information about the ButterflyFest Pollinator Photography Contest, email photo-office@flmnh.ufl.edu or visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu/butterflyfest/photo_contest.htm.

ButterflyFest is dedicated to increasing awareness of Florida’s butterflies as fun, fascinating ambassadors to the natural world. Event activities and presentations promote inquiry and provide a call to action for the conservation and preservation of backyard wildlife and habitats.

This year’s keynote speaker is Naomi Pierce, curator of Lepidoptera at the Harvard University Museum of Comparative Zoology. Pierce’s research focuses on the biodiversity and evolution of insects, especially butterflies and their symbionts, or the organisms they have a relationship with, as well as behavioral ecology.

Through her research, Pierce recently proved Vladimir Nabokov’s theory that Polyammatus blues originated in Asia and traveled to North America via the Bering Strait. She also proved that this group of butterfly species arrived in North America in five separate waves.

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Source: Jeff Gage, 352-273-2038, jgage@flmnh.ufl.edu
Writer: Alyssa Wang
Media contact:  Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Join the Florida Museum of Natural History for a special presentation by University of Florida alumnus and conservation photographer Carlton Ward, Jr. from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. March 31.

The presentation is free and open to the public.

“Our visitors loved meeting Carlton at the opening of his exhibit ‘Florida Cowboys: Keepers of the Last Frontier’ on Feb. 12,” said Florida Museum education coordinator Kendra Lanza-Kaduce. “We are so excited he is coming back to the museum for this presentation.”

From 7:15 to 8 p.m. museum members may join Ward in the “Florida Cowboys” and “Florida Cattle Ranching: Five Centuries of Tradition” exhibits for a meet-and-greet event. Membership cards are required for admittance to this portion of the event.

“The museum regularly offers special events for its members,” said Leslie Ladendorf, Florida Museum assistant director of development and membership. “We are thrilled that our members have the opportunity to meet with Carlton in a private setting.”

For more information on becoming a member visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu/membership/join.htm or call 352-273-2047.

During his presentation, Ward will showcase photographs from his book, “Florida Cowboys: Keepers of the Last Frontier” and more recent images focusing on the vital role ranches play in the state’s economy and environment, especially in the Everglades.

“We have a unique opportunity to help restore the Everglades and ensure the future of Florida cattle ranching at the same time through the same efforts,” Ward said.

Ward said photographers, conservationists, cattle ranchers and others interested in the environment will enjoy this presentation.

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Source: Leslie Ladendorf, 352-273-2047, llad@flmnh.ufl.edu
Writer: Leeann Bright
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Lisa Britz and Bridget Lanier won first place awards in the Florida Museum of Natural History’s inaugural ButterflyFest Pollinator Photography Contest. Britz, of Lee’s Summit, Mo., won the adult category for her photo “Pollen Plunge.” Lanier, of Bradenton, captured the top spot in the junior category for “A Buzzy Pollinator.”

The Florida Museum announced the winners Oct. 24 during an awards presentation at this year’s ButterflyFest. The museum will display the winning photographs in the Central Gallery through Nov. 30 and online on the ButterflyFest web site, www.flmnh.ufl.edu/butterflyfest/photo_contest.htm. The Gainesville Sun also published the winning photographs in the newspaper Oct. 25 as part of its Gainesville.com sponsorship of the contest.

Nearly 90 photographers from Florida and other states submitted more than 200 entries in the competition.

Val Oppenheim and Brian Denny won second and third place, respectively, in the adult category, while Collin Kane and Joshua Martindale placed second and third in the junior division. Dan Rountree (adult) and Karlee Hawkins (junior) were awarded honorable mentions.

Britz was awarded $100 for her photograph, and Lanier received $75. Second and third place winners received museum gift shop certificates and Butterfly Rainforest exhibit annual passes. Honorable mention winners received a museum gift bag.

University of Florida News Bureau photographer Ray Carson, Santa Fe College photography professor Ray Hale and Gainesville Sun video and photojournalist Tricia Coyne served as volunteer judges.

Editors: Story can end here.

“I love photos of butterflies, and I’ve entered a few photo contests before, but this is my first prize in awhile,” said second place winner Oppenheim. “I’m very excited to win an award for my photo.”

Oppenheim said she has been a photographer for 35 years and has worked to refine her skills with a digital camera for the last 10 years

Junior category honorable mention winner Hawkins said she enjoys taking pictures of butterflies, flowers, her sister and her puppy. She applied knowledge about color saturation in digital photographs that she learned through a school science project to compose her winning image.

“It only took one shot to get the butterfly picture I wanted,” Hawkins said.

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2009 ButterflyFest Pollinator Photo Contest Winners:

Adult Category
1st Place – Lisa Britz (Lee’s Summit, Mo.)
2nd Place – Val Oppenheim (Gainesville)
3rd Place – Brian Denny (Gainesville)
Honorable Mention – Dan Rountree (Gainesville)

Junior Category
1st Place – Bridget Lanier (Bradenton)
2nd Place – Collin Kane (Gainesville)
3rd Place –Joshua Martindale (Buford, Ga.)
Honorable Mention – Karlee Hawkins (Newberry)

Writer: Patti Nunez
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Bring those you love to a special photography exhibit focused on families by Jeff Smith at the Florida Museum of Natural History. The show, “Family Nature,” opens Thursday (Aug. 20) and runs through Dec. 13.

Smith, a Melrose-based dentist since 1980, captures everyday family life in the wilds of north central Florida through his captivating photographs. His collection of photos includes courting rituals between barred owls, leisure time among alligators and mother eagles nurturing their recently hatched eaglets.

“I enjoy showing the beauty of family ties within every landscape and species,” Smith said. “I hope some of the images will inspire others to be more appreciative of families found in nature and to help them thrive.”

Two young pileated woodpeckers reach from the nest for their mother in the woods of north central Florida. Photographer Jeff Smith captured this feeding ritual for his “Family Nature” exhibit, on display at the Florida Museum of Natural History Aug. 20 – Dec. 13, 2009.

After his children left for college, Smith became more interested in photography. He ventured out into the rural areas surrounding Melrose and began noticing the distinct family rituals of Florida wildlife. His exhibit at the Florida Museum includes 14 photographs, ranging in size from 24 inches by 28 inches to nearly 3 feet by 4 feet.

For more information visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu/exhibits or call 352-846-2000.

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Writer: Patti Nunez
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Want to try creative photography but feeling camera-shy? Looking for an opportunity to practice new camera work but need a fresh subject? The Florida Museum of Natural History’s first ButterflyFest Pollinator Photo Contest could be the perfect opportunity. Entries may be submitted beginning Saturday (Aug. 15) through Sept. 1.

Everyone with a camera and a love for bees, birds, butterflies and other pollinators is encouraged to enter, says Florida Museum photographer Jeff Gage.

“Anyone can be a great nature photographer,” Gage said. “From simple images of plants and trees to more complex, time-consuming shots of animals, moving water or broad landscapes, our environment produces photographic challenges and opportunities for all skill levels.”

If you’re eager to go outside and start snapping photos but unsure how to capture eye-catching images of small, often fast-moving pollinators, the following basic photography tips should help you get started.

• Hold the camera steady. Using a tripod to keep your camera still will help prevent blurry images from camera shake. A tripod can also free your hands to experiment with your camera’s settings without losing a carefully selected composition, says Darren Rowse of the online Digital Photography School (www.digital-photography-school.com). A good tripod can be full-size or small enough to stand on a small table.
• Use the camera’s flash only when light conditions make it necessary. Try not to use a flash in low-light conditions outdoors – this advice may seem counterintuitive, but using a flash in these conditions, especially at sunset, will actually cause your pictures to come out too dark.
• Don’t use the camera’s flash on subjects that are out of the flash’s range, generally about 10-15 feet. Otherwise, the flash is useless and the image will be too dark. Your camera’s instruction book will have the specific range your flash can reach.
• Experiment with rotating your camera on its side (portrait) or on an angle while taking a picture. Images captured on a slant can add variety to an ordinary scene. However, this trick generally works best with images that have no discernable horizon line.
• Set up an appropriate background. The main subject of an image should be the focal point. Backgrounds that are busy, meaning full of bright colors, movement or distracting lines of sight, take away from the main subject and reduce the impact of the image.
• Try moving the subject to the left or right to block out or create distance from background elements. (Note: Do not try to move a non-domesticated pollinator such as a bat or wild bird; this could be hazardous and in most areas it is illegal to harass wildlife.) If you cannot easily move the subject, try shooting from a different angle or completely filling the frame with the subject.
• Always carry your camera because you never know when you’ll spot the next pollinator!
• Finally, wait until you are back at your computer to delete shots from your camera card, Rowse advises, because you may see elements that make “mistake” shots worth saving. It’s difficult to see the more subtle details of a photo on the typical 2- to 3-inch LCD camera screen.

Entries can be submitted at the front desk of Florida Museum in the University of Florida Cultural Plaza at Southwest 34th Street and Hull Road from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, or at The Gainesville Sun classified advertising counter at 2700 SW 13th St., from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information about the contest and to download an entry form visit www.flmnh.ufl.edu/butterflyfest/photo_contest.htm.

Helpful photography web sites:

Ten quick photo tips for beginners: www.ephotozine.com/article/Take-better-pictures–10-quick-photo-tips-for-beginners-4666

Macro photography tips for point and shoot digital cameras: http://digital-photography-school.com/macro-photography-tips-for-compact-digital-camera-users

An explanation of focal lengths and apertures: http://photo.net/learn/basic-photo-tips/aperture-shutterspeed-iso/

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Source: Jeff Gage, 352-273-2038, jgage@flmnh.ufl.edu
Writer: Kelly Donovan
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

At 2,500 square miles, the Everglades is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. By examining the “River of Grass” on a small scale, Fulton highlights the diversity of the Everglades’ wildlife and landscapes.

“I wanted to capture the essence of the Florida Everglades by examining the small, intricate details of this expansive landscape,” Fulton said.

The exhibit’s 20 images include egrets, woodpeckers and alligators, and distinctive flora such as pond cypresses, turtlegrass and the tiny yellow allamanda flower. Many of the species pictured are threatened or endangered by agricultural or residential development in south Florida.

Fulton’s photos complement the large-scale landscape photography of the “ForEverglades: Photos by Clyde Butcher and Jeff Ripple” exhibit on display at the Florida Museum through May 31.

“The two photography exhibits together give visitors the full picture of the matchless beauty and aesthetic value of the Everglades ecosystem,” said Darcie MacMahon, Florida Museum director of exhibits. “Fulton’s colorful images show why it’s an area worth preserving.”

Fulton is an avid birder and lifelong naturalist who brings that knowledge and experience to his photography. After graduating from Bowdoin College in Maine with a degree in environmental science, photography and ecology, he completed a year of travel throughout Australia searching for and photographing the continent’s numerous endemic birds. Fulton continues to explore the world’s diverse ecosystems and has received numerous awards for his photography including a National Geographic Society Young Explorer’s Grant for his work in Monteverde, Costa Rica.

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Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

Photos available

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Journey into the Everglades with the Florida Museum of Natural History’s newest “double feature” exhibit – “ForEverglades: Photos by Clyde Butcher & Jeff Ripple” and “Alien Attack: Target Everglades” from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday with special opening day activities.

Renowned photographer Clyde Butcher will share his experiences capturing the subtle beauty of the Everglades during a special presentation from 1 to 2 p.m.

Produced by the Florida Museum, the exhibit allows visitors to discover the majesty of one of Florida’s most unique natural features and learn about the dangers invasive species bring to the Everglades.

“ForEverglades: Photos by Clyde Butcher and Jeff Ripple” showcases these accomplished photographers’ work to convey the hidden beauty of the Florida Everglades. Both Butcher and Ripple approached this project as artists, rather than scientists, venturing deep into the swamp in search of perfect locations and light. The photos, accompanied by the photographers’ thoughts, are a celebration of this mysterious land.

“These two distinguished photographers are passionate about Everglades conservation and have devoted much of their careers to documenting the ‘Glades in hopes of inspiring us all to support this natural gem,” said Florida Museum exhibits director Darcie MacMahon. “In addition to their stunning photos, we’ll also showcase some original film footage of Butcher and Ripple at work during their search for the elusive ghost orchid.”

After seeing the beauty of the Everglades, visitors can explore the scientific side of this natural wonder and learn about the critical issues it faces from invasive species.

“Alien Attack: Target Everglades” offers a top 10 countdown of the most dangerous plants and animals and their threat to the area’s fragile ecosystems. “Alien Attack” includes several live examples of these dangerous species and makes recommendations on what can be done to help prevent such problems in our own backyards.

“We’re looking forward to having live plants and animals in the exhibit gallery, and there are definitely some surprises in the list – things that on first glance you would never guess could pose a serious problem,” MacMahon said.

The Florida Museum will host opening programs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 7, including crafts and activities focused on plants and animals who call the Everglades home.

The exhibit and opening day activities are free. For more information, call (352) 273-2064 or see www.flmnh.ufl.edu/everglades.

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A Foe Among Friends: the Cuban tree frog (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
Explore the differences among some native Florida tree frogs and the invasive Cuban tree frog. Listen to each frog call and guess who’s who. Take home a Florida frogs coloring guide.

River of Grass – more than just a marsh! (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
Learn about the Florida Everglades’ many habitats and what makes them special. Then, help some south Florida plants and animals find their perfect home.

Panther Paws – tracking Florida’s greatest cat (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.)
Learn the track of this illusive and fascinating cat by making prints on paper. Compare it to tracks of other mammals found in the Everglades.

ForEverglades: An inside look (1 – 2 p.m.)
Join renowned photographer Clyde Butcher as he shares his experiences capturing the subtle beauty of the Everglades.

Side by Side: native and invasive species of the Everglades (12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.)
Welcome Jason Debottis as he introduces some exciting Everglades animals to the public during this live animal presentation. View examples of native and non-native species. Learn what makes an animal ‘invasive’ and how it becomes a problem.

The following organizations are scheduled to participate with activities and more information about the Everglades:

• The Wildlife Society, Project WILD!; Ashley Williams
• Save the Manatee Club; Ann Hemme
• Alachua County Library District; Diane Colson or Kate Neff
• IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants; Rob Horsburgh

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Source: Darcie MacMahon, 352-273-2053, dmacmahon@flmnh.ufl.edu
Writer: Morgan Lamborn
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Journey into the Everglades with the Florida Museum of Natural History’s newest “double feature” exhibit – “ForEverglades: Photos by Clyde Butcher & Jeff Ripple” and “Alien Attack: Target Everglades” from Feb. 7 through May 31, 2009.

Produced by the Florida Museum, the exhibit allows visitors to discover the majesty of one of Florida’s most unique natural features and learn about the dangers invasive species bring to the Everglades.

“ForEverglades: Photos by Clyde Butcher and Jeff Ripple” showcases these accomplished photographers’ work to convey the hidden beauty of the Florida Everglades. Both Butcher and Ripple approached this project as artists, rather than scientists, venturing deep into the swamp in search of perfect locations and light. The photos, accompanied by the photographers’ thoughts, are a celebration of this mysterious land.

“These two distinguished photographers are passionate about Everglades conservation and have devoted much of their careers to documenting the ‘Glades in hopes of inspiring us all to support this natural gem,” said Florida Museum exhibits director Darcie MacMahon. “In addition to their stunning photos, we’ll also showcase some original film footage of Butcher and Ripple at work during their search for the elusive ghost orchid.”

After seeing the beauty of the Everglades, visitors can explore the scientific side of this natural wonder and learn about the critical issues it faces from invasive species.

“Alien Attack: Target Everglades” offers a top-ten countdown of the most dangerous plants and animals and their threat to the area’s fragile ecosystems. “Alien Attack” includes several live examples of these dangerous species and makes recommendations on what can be done to help prevent such problems in our own backyards.

“We’re looking forward to having live plants and animals in the exhibit gallery, and there are definitely some surprises in the list – things that on first glance you would never guess could pose a serious problem,” MacMahon said.

The Florida Museum will host opening programs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 7, 2009, including crafts and activities focused on plants and animals who call the Everglades home.

The exhibit and opening day activities are free. For more information, call (352) 273-2064 or see www.flmnh.ufl.edu/exhibits/upcoming.htm.

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Source: Darcie MacMahon, 352-273-2053, dmacmahon@flmnh.ufl.edu
Writer: Morgan Lamborn
Media contact: Paul Ramey, 352-273-2054, pramey@flmnh.ufl.edu

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The Florida Museum of Natural History will host “In the Open: Sandhill Crane Studies” by Gainesville artist Diane Farris from Dec. 14 through March 18, 2007. This 19-piece exhibit of photography montages is inspired by the Sandhill crane, which appears across North America and in Gainesville during the winter months.

Farris also will meet with Florida Museum visitors from 5-10 p.m. on Jan. 11, 2007, during Museum Nights. She works in photography and mixed media and has written and illustrated children’s books. Her work has been widely exhibited, published and collected, and also can be seen at Shands at UF, the UF Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Institute and on her web site, www.dianefarris.com.

“Sandhill cranes are such an integral part of our winter landscape – we see them on the prairies, we hear them circling overhead – and their stately beauty is always inspiring,” said Darcie MacMahon, Florida Museum assistant director in charge of exhibits. “Diane’s work honors their life story in a unique blending of art and natural history observation. These are the most beautiful Sandhill crane portraits I’ve ever seen.”

Hosted by the Florida Museum and Harn Museum of Art, and funded by UF Student Government, Museum Nights is held most Thursday evenings while UF is in session. Check http://www.sg.ufl.edu/SpecialEvents/MuseumNights/ for a complete schedule.

Media contact: Paul Ramey, (352) 846-2000, pramey@ufl.edu
Writer: Lauren Williams

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