January 21, 2004

The Gallery of Carbon Dust Beetle Illustrations
posted by Dr. Zira 20 years ago
  • Is there an adequate explanation for why these people do not use cameras? They were rather vague on the link.
  • In the section on "The Process" they say this: Specimens are viewed under a microscope, enabling the depiction of minute articulations, even on very small species. I suppose that these drawings are the only way to bring such tiny variations to large scale. Perhaps macrophotography isn't yet sophisticated enough to get the extraordinary detail on them.
  • Yes, but. If I can see this well enough to draw it. Why can I not photograph it, even if it is through a microscope?
  • Because taking pictures of beetles instead of drawing them makes baby Jesus cry.
  • The detail in these is fascinating. The amount of time which it must take to execute a single such illustration, with its many graduation of gray, is equally impressive. The use of graphite dust on film is utterly new to me -- thanks Dr. Zira.
  • I like the "Pleasing Fungus Beetle."
  • The problem with microphotography, I guess, is that you can't get the little beetles to be in particular positions to show aspects of their anatomies. Only those who study them long enough and have the skills can make the drawings fine enough to show what they want as they want it.
  • Also, a human with a pen can show detail at any focal depth, can create contrast where necessary to differentiate features that might blur together in a flat photograph, and can synthesize a perfect model out of several damaged or otherwise asymmetrical subjects. It's why medical illustrators, botanical illustrators, etc. all exist.
  • Another way to make botanical illustrations.
  • Can we make good botanical illustrations with the flung feces from the past few threads? Because, uh, that kind of stuff is important. And by important, I mean inane. or MonkeyFilter: We can show detail at any focal depth
  • Entering the discussion very late, I believe the reason they can't take pictures is that the beetles insist on making rude gestures every time they're in front of a camera.