Photos on iNaturalist.
When we take photos of flora or fauna to be uploaded on to iNaturalist there are two types of people who will view them.
One is a scientist with lots of qualifications and experience who also may assist you with the identification of the flora or fauna you have photographed. The other is someone who knows very little about nature but is starting to become interested and thinks that by participating on iNaturalist they will learn more and in so doing, enjoy the process.
I believe those of us who have used iNaturalist for a few years and have some experience, have an obligation to encourage people who are just starting their journey. Climate change is with us and at first will only get worse.
We need all people who want to be involved and we should give them all the help they need.
So, it is important, that it is easy to identify the flora and fauna in your photo.
• Is your photo in focus?
• Give your potential viewers plenty of information, take a number of photos.
• Get as close as possible to the subject to take your photo.
• If you have had to take your photo at a distance, ask yourself, could I identify this from this photo?
• Ensure your source of light (the sun) enhances the photo.
What I am trying to say is please don’t upload photos where it is not easy to identify the subject.
I am writing this as an older person, closer to 80 than 70. When I try to encourage friends of a similar age to participate in iNaturalist, the response is “I don’t know enough I would look stupid.”
Cheers Ro
