Aphid feeding on a carnation leaf

item details

NameAphid feeding on a carnation leaf

ProductionSteve Rumsey; photographer; 27 June 1967; Auckland

Classificationcolour photographs, chromogenic colour prints, works of art

Materialsdye, photographic gelatin, resin-coated paper

Materials Summarycolour photograph, type C print

Techniquescolour photography, chromogenic processes

DimensionsImage: 495mm (height), 399mm (length)

Registration NumberO.027672

Credit linePurchased 1998

Overview

This enlarged colour photograph of an aphid feeding on the leaf of a plant was taken by Steve Rumsey in 1967. A Wellington advertising agency had contacted the Director of the Mt Albert Plant Research Station in Auckland, requesting a colour image of an aphid for advertising purposes. The Director declined the request saying the DSIR (Department of Scientific and Industrial Research) was not in the business of advertising photography, but suggested they contact Rumsey, a photographer who had worked at the Mt Albert Plant Research Station and who, in 1965, had established Photo Associates Limited, an advertising photography studio in Auckland.

Advertising images
Advertising agencies usually prefer a dynamic image for use in advertisements. In the case of Aphid, the agency requested that the subject be illuminated with variously coloured lights to enhance the visual dynamism of the photograph.