Part 8: Getting Started: Designating Study Locations, Photography, and Precipitation

Types of Photos

General View (or Photopoints): provides a broad, landscape view of the study area.

How to take a general view photograph:

1. Assign this reference point a number to distinguish it from other ranch reference points.
2. Facing north or south from an established reference point, locate a distinctive landmark in the background such as a peak or a rock outcrop. If such a distinctive mark is not available, another T-post should be placed instead. This and other useful information (such as pasture name and date) is recorded on the Study location and Documentation Data form (pdf, 16KB).
3. Record the compass direction or GPS reading when standing at this location facing the landmark on the Study location and Documentation Data form (pdf, 16KB).
4. Approximately 15 feet from the reference point in the direction of your distinct marker, prop up the erasable maker board with date and time, reference point number, and pasture name recorded.
5. Place your back to the T-post and take the photograph.
6. Additional tips:
   1. Take subsequent photo at the same time of day to avoid shadow oddities when comparing photos
   2. Bring past photos with you each time you take a photo at a particular reference point so you can duplicate the photos.
   3. Try to describe the locations in detail on the Study location and Documentation Data form (pdf, 16KB) so someone else can duplicate photos in the future.
   4. Spray paint the T-posts to make them easier to locate in the field; repaint each time you monitor.

Close-up Photographs (or Photoplots)

Close-up photos show specific characteristics of an area such as soil surface, ground cover, and organic litter. They are generally taken of permanently established photo plots.

The location of close-up photo plots is determined by vegetation at the study site and proximity to the T-post, which is the reference point for the study site. The photo plot should contain vegetation that is representative of the plant composition and ground cover for the study site and be placed at least 10 feet from the T-post (to avoid photographing the area immediately around the post that has been trampled by grazing animals).

How to take a close-up photograph:

1. From the reference point T-post, place a frame (usually 3 ft X 3 ft) onto the plot to be photographed.
2. Mark the placement of the frame with angle-iron diagonals so future photos can be taken of the same plot. (diagram); paint the angle iron and repaint each time you take a photograph.
3. Place the completed Photo ID Label Form (pdf, 13KB) on the ground adjacent to the frame.
4. The photo should be taken from the north edge of the frame to avoid problems with shadows (see photo below).