UV Photography: Lichens and Spider

There are quite a few scientific studies on the UV-screening chemicals in lichen which absorb UV light and then emit it at a different wavelength. The interest varies from a pure research level to document the occurrence, to more practical application such as aids to ID of lichens and as possible help in the production of effective human UV sunscreens, important as our radiation levels increase. I photographed some of the lichens I collected locally and at Paxton Pits to monitor the variations in intensity and colours. I also photographed some spiders that were living in the lichens along with abundant Collembolids (too small for the lens I was using), This spider is a female Misumena vatia

 

Preliminary Ultraviolet Photographs

I have been playing around with UV Fluorescence photography using a UV torch. The UV light is absorbed into the subject and visible light is re-emitted and can be captured by the camera. I was handholding the camera and using shallow depth of field so the results are not that sharp.