This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American
Thrifty Thursdays feature photographs taken with equipment costing less than $500.
[iPhone 4S - $330]
Cell phone cameras have tiny lenses, and while that's a drawback for most photo applications, the little cameras do a remarkable job of impersonating a bug's-eye view. The iPhone turns out to be quite in its element for micro photos like this.
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The trick is to wait for a pretty sunset, place the camera so that the sun is obscured behind the plant, and shoot away. Dandelion sunsets are remarkably easy, which is perhaps why so many people do them.