Using Picture Posts
Step-by-step instructions of how to take pictures from the Picture Posts
What is a Picture Post?
A Picture Post is an easy-to-use tool that lets you take digital photographs of the same landscape every time you use the post. By collecting and sharing these images, we may watch and measure the seasonal patterns of nature.
Who may use a Picture Post?
Anyone with a digital camera may take pictures from these posts and share them on our free website
Why use a Picture Post?
1) These photos support scientific monitoring of the health of our local environments because they provide valuable data to study the growth patterns and timing of plant life cycles.
2) The photos help scientists verify what we are seeing from satellites.
3) The photos support classroom visits to local parks since students may explore how the park changes before and after their visit.
4) Taken over years, these photos support community planning by providing data on land cover change.
Recommended Equipment
Any digital camera will do.
Step 1: Recording the Date and Time
To check your camera’s date and time settings, take a picture of a watch.
If you are taking pictures from more than one post, include the post information in the picture.
Take a picture of the instructions attached to the post and read on a computer screen later on. You don’t need to write anything down while at the post!
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Step 2: Take 8 Photos of the Landscape & 1 of the Sky
If you have a zoom lens, make sure camera is set to the widest angle lens setting.
Consistently align feature of camera to a corner or marking on octagon.
For the first photo, place the back of the camera against the octagon so the camera is facing North.
Continue taking photos in a clockwise order, as shown on the right.
Shoot the last photo with the camera on its back and the lens pointing skyward.
How Often To Take Pictures?
To study the seasonal plant cycles, at least once a day during spring “green up” and during autumn “green down”,
During the remainder of the year, take pictures once a week.
Coordinate with a group of photographers during the busy weeks.
Next: Example of PicturePost picture sequences
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