David Vaakin is a Jerusalem-based photographer who photographed neuroscientist Nachum Ulanovsky, also known as “Bat Man,” for July’s issue of Nature Magazine. Here’s what David had to say about the experience of working with a live bat on set for this shoot:
The scientist had to hold the bat firmly and not allow for its long wings to be loose, or the bat would basically try to fly away – which is why only the bat’s head is visible. On top of that, I wanted to show the flight room, where the bat flies as he’s being studied and monitored. This room was very dark so I had to use strobes to show the subjects clearly while still keeping the dark atmosphere of the room. The neuroscientist, Nachum Ulanovsky suggested we also include the net which he uses to capture the bats, and I thought it would add a bit of humor to the scene so I went along with it. I love when the people I’m photographing suggest ideas and are open to mine, so Nachum’s attitude certainly made a challenging shoot a bit easier.
See more of David’s work on his website.
Credits:
Writer: Alison Abbott
Photo Editor: Chris Maddaloni
Further Reading:
Read more articles about David Vaakin.
Read more articles about science and technology photography.
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