Photography guideWorldwide

How should a tick be photographed for identification?

Photograph the tick sharply from above and below, add a side or mouthpart view if possible, include a millimetre scale and record where and when it was found.

Reviewed by VuxLore® Knowledge Team For Everyone

Short answer

Photograph the tick sharply from above and below, add a side or mouthpart view if possible, include a millimetre scale and record where and when it was found.

At a glance

Diffuse light and a steady camera reveal more than heavy digital zoom or decorative filters.

Key takeaways

• Use multiple orientations.

• Include scale and collection data.

• Keep the original unedited files.

Prepare a clear record

Place the contained specimen against a plain background and use macro mode or a clip-on lens. Avoid handling a live tick with bare fingers merely to improve the image.