Fixed Point Photography

Fixed point photography is a technique often employed by conservation biologists and environmental scientists in order to gain a pictorial idea of how an area or landscape changes either over time or from one season to the next. This is also one of the most effective and robust methods of monitoring vegetation change, especially in areas such as South Africa where bush fires can be common.

The most important consideration is that each site should be permanently and clearly marked. Finding old sites is extremely difficult, especially if differing researchers are completing each set of photographs. The use of a GPS allows you to accurately locate the spot from where the photograph must be taken, and instructions as to the direction (for example South 185°) can be given. Further, in order to minimise inaccuracies, the same camera should be used to prevent any variances being attributed to a different camera setting/function.

You can see below an example of one of the photographs we have taken over the last few weeks. In total we have 24 sets which cover the most prominent, ecologically valuable areas of the reserve. Here you can clearly see the vast difference between the same vegetation sight in winter 2013 and summer 2014.