Photos capture life inside a drop of seawater (smithsonianmag.com)

Article summary

A photographer, Angel Fitor, has captured the life inside a drop of seawater, revealing a hidden world of tiny creatures called copepods. Copepods are the most numerous animal on the planet and can be found in all types of water, from the deepest ocean trenches to the highest alpine lakes. Fitor used conventional lenses and equipment to magnify and photograph these tiny organisms, which range in length from 0.2 to 1.7 millimeters. The photographs showcase the diversity and beauty of these tiny creatures.

Main themes

• marine life
• photography
• Jewish tradition
• commercial viability
• technical aspects
• practicality vs. rules

What commenters say

• Some commenters are amazed by the diversity of marine life and the beauty of the photographs, and believe that more exploration and documentation of the deep sea is needed.
• The presence of non-kosher creatures in tap water is a concern for some, and there is debate about how to handle this issue in accordance with Jewish tradition.
• The technical aspects of photographing tiny creatures are discussed, with some commenters arguing that conventional camera gear is sufficient, while others believe that specialized equipment such as microscopes are necessary.
• The commercial viability of nature and wildlife photography is questioned, with some arguing that it is a pursuit for those with means, while others point out that photographers can make a living through royalties, licensing, and sales of prints.
• There is a discussion about the balance between following rules and being practical, with some arguing that common sense and flexibility are important in situations where strict adherence to rules may not be possible or reasonable.
• The idea that tiny, invisible creatures are everywhere, even in unexpected places like tap water, is a source of fascination and wonder for some, and a concern for others.
• Some commenters note that the pursuit of nature and wildlife photography requires significant resources, including expensive technology and time, but can also be a rewarding and valuable endeavor.