Documenting the diversity of insect life can be done with a killing jar, camera or both. Using artificial intelligence, with programs such as iNaturalist, photographs can lead to the rapid identification of some species. One can also capture the beauty of insects through photographs. Roger Rittmaster, a life-long nature photography enthusiast, will discuss various approaches to insect photography, both for scientific documentation and art.

Roger Rittmaster

is a retired endocrinologist and an avid nature photographer. He moved to Maine ten years ago to pursue his hobbies (natural history, woodworking and tennis). Shortly after moving to Maine, he authored the book, “Butterflies Up Close – a guide to butterfly photography”. Roger is a Maine Master Naturalist, former chair of the Camden Conservation Commission, and serves on the Board of Coastal Mountains Land Trust. When asked about what areas of natural history interest him the most, he replied, “Anything that has DNA”.

Photos by Roger Rittmaster