June 27, 2013

Google Logo Add Us On GoogleAdd SciAm

Thrifty Thursday: The Mighty Cupcake

By Alex Wild

Join Our Community of Science Lovers!

This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American

Thrifty Thursdays feature photographs taken with equipment costing less than $500.

[iPhone 4S - $330]

Yeah, I know what you're thinking. Alex is phoning it in today and posting a cat. And you'd be right. Sort of.

On supporting science journalism

If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.

I have reasons for featuring Cupcake on Thrifty Thursday, though. This photograph could not have been taken with my big SLR camera.

First, the dramatic paws-forward composition is the normal bugs-eye perspective of a phone camera lens. Paws are a lot more impressive when seen from a small lens than from a big one. Second, I simply can't drop an SLR low enough. Not without cutting a hole in the floor. Look at how much lower the iPhone lens sits than the Canon 100mm f/2.8 lens! The extra few centimeters makes a difference.

Phone cameras have their strengths. If you play to them, you'll take memorable photographs.

Alex Wild is Curator of Entomology at the University of Texas at Austin, where he studies the evolutionary history of ants. In 2003 he founded a photography business as an aesthetic complement to his scientific work, and his natural history photographs appear in numerous museums, books and media outlets.

More by Alex Wild

It’s Time to Stand Up for Science

If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.

I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.

If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.

In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.

There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.

Thank you,

David M. Ewalt, Editor in Chief, Scientific American

Subscribe