True beauty of a hairy leaf

David Maitland's Image

David Maitland (UK) reveals the colourful star-scape of a fluorescing deutzia leaf.

Setting up his field studio in the forest, David took this macro shot of a leaf of a naturalised hairy deutzia under UV light to reveal its fluorescent colours. Under this light, the protective hairs on the surface of the leaf appear as vibrant blue stars whilst the chlorophyll in the leaf, which is the pigment essential for photosynthesis, fluoresces red.

Scientists often photograph fluorescence to study the health of plants and assess the impact of environmental stresses, including climate change. It is a quick, easy, non-invasive technique that is harmless for the plants.

Behind the lens

David Maitland

David Maitland

UK

David is a professional nature and science photographer specialising in small and microscopic forms. He is the recipient of numerous international awards and his specialist super-macro and microscopic photographic skills have been commissioned for collaborations with the BBC on series including Wonders of Life, Human Universe and The Science of Food. David also lectures at universities and international conferences and has been a jury panel member for leading international photography competitions.

Image details

  • Sony α7R II
  • 10x macro objective
  • 2.5 sec  •   ISO 1000  •   UV light  •   x16 focus‑stacked images
  • Thetford Forest, Norfolk, UK
Copyright in WPY competition photographs remains the property of the respective photographers. You may not copy, share, reproduce or republish the photographs except as expressly permitted by copyright law. For media image usage enquiries, please contact us.

More images from David Maitland

View all
The tracheal tree
Minuscule Spicules
Fading beauty

Support our important work

Help us harness the power of photography to advance scientific knowledge, spread awareness of important issues and nurture a global love for nature.

Donate now

Connections

More images from

Plants and Fungi

Discover more

Sign up to our newsletter

Receive email updates about Wildlife Photographer of the Year news, events, science, products, services and fundraising activities. We may occasionally include third-party content from our corporate partners and other museums. We will not share your personal details with these third parties. You must be over the age of 13. Privacy notice.