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 - $336; water droplet - free]
One year ago I posted a short note describing how to turn your cell phone into a microscope using a droplet of water.
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I haven't used the technique much since, but this afternoon I turned on the faucet, grabbed an ant, and captured this macro shot of the insect as she rested on a backlit leaf. It's not the crispest photo in the world, but hey. It's a drinkable lens.