The Scientific Photography module consists of a classroom session and an open water session.  The classroom session familiarizes the student with the tools, methods, and documentation necessary to produce data, in the form of photographs that can be used in reef research.

The open water session gives the student a chance to use the knowledge acquired in the class session.

Classroom Objectives

At the completition of the Scientific Photography module classroom session, the students should be able to:

• Recognize and describe the use of the MIST (Mark's Invertebrate Sampling Tool), 1 to 3 and 1 to 2 macro framers, and different size camera lenses
• Describe the Invertebrate Photographic Sampling Method, Photo Mosaic Strip and Wreck Surveys, and Fish I.D. Photographic Method as well as listing the scope and limitations of each
• Describe various swimming and approach techniques that will enable them to produce fish photographs to be used for identification
• Describe a photo technique to use to minimize backscatter and one that will produce better photos of highly reflective fish

At the completition of the open water session the students should be able to:

• Assemble and use the MIST (Mark's Invertebrate Sampling Tool), 1 to 3 and 1 to 2 macro framers, and different size camera lenses
• Complete dives following the assigned method and complete a dive log page to document the assignment