Spotlight: Markus Altmann for Terra Mater

Over the last fifty years, the beachcombers of the world have noticed a growing change in the debris that washes ashore. Where before one could find shells, rocks, and shark teeth, most beaches are now littered with a new form of trash: microplastics. Berlin-based photographer Markus Altmann aids the Austrian magazine Terra Mater with a feature on two microbiologists who research plastic-eating microbes. As Markus ventures to their laboratory in the south of France, he highlights the integral work these scientists are doing. Their efforts are crucial for preserving our oceans and aquatic life.

Terra Mater Magazin is an Austrian publication that focuses on issues related to nature and science. Markus had previously shot images for the client at a laboratory in Berlin. They reached back a year later to photograph a similar setting, the Laboratorie d’Océanologique Microbienne (Laboratory of Microbial Oceanography or LOMIC).

In January, Markus traveled to LOMIC, which is part of the Observatoire Océanologique in Banyuls-Sur-Mer in southern France. The location provides the researchers with water from the bay for their aquariums. In these aquariums, they breed the marine microorganisms that they study for their research.

One of their main goals is to research microbes that can decompose plastic in our oceans and to improve the biodegradability of plastic materials being produced.

The researchers, Anne-Leila Meistertzheim and Jean-Francois Ghiglione founded Plastic at Sea to understand the natural processes of the ocean in aiding the decomposition of man-made plastics. By introducing a harmful substance into our ecosystems, we have created a significant challenge. By researching how the organisms on the planet react and decompose plastic, we can learn to manage this pollutant effectively.

Markus worked closely with Terra Mater’s writer, and science journalist Kurt de Swaaf. Kurt had previously studied marine biology and immediately dove into a detailed conversation with Anne-Leila and Jean-Francois. While Markus followed along to the best of his ability, he allowed these like-minded scientists the space to discuss their shared interests as he observed the laboratory on his own.

Kurt was well versed in the subject and there was an immediate connection between him and the scientists – he knew the topic well and was able to understand intricate details of their work. 

The Goal

During his time wandering among computers, microscopes, and aquariums, Markus worked to create a narrative that would complement the researchers’ story. Although he couldn’t fully convey what was happening on computer screens and in test tubes without the written component of the article, he aimed to capture images that told part of the story. His goal was to highlight the array of processes the researchers conducted through his photography.

Since photographing microbes was not really an option, I looked around for anything larger that would help me tell the story. 

The UV light — used to accelerate the growth of plankton — added an eerie violet glow to the laboratory. It forced Markus to heavily color-correct the images to lighten the extreme purple hues. He worked to balance these variables within the context of the location. Ensuring that the laboratory felt authentic to Terra Mater’s readers.

After his time spent at LOMIC, Markus left with a greater understanding of the world’s unhealthy relationship with plastic. In witnessing the research done by Plastic at Sea, he hopes their work can contribute to global awareness of the problems created by plastic pollutants. This awareness is crucial for working toward a more sustainable world for all.

Potentially harmful microplastic particles can be found virtually everywhere now, and there is only one way to get rid of them: To wait for microbiological processes to happen – which for some plastics can take a very, very long time. 

See more of Markus Altmann on his website.

Further Reading
Read more articles about Markus Altmann.
Read more Photographer Spotlight articles about our other photographers.

Credits
Writer: Kurt de Swaaf
Editor: Isabella Russ
Talent: Anne-Leila Meistertzheim, Jean-Francois Ghiglione

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