Name: Henri Koskinen
Picture title: Beast
Category: Micro
Nationality: Finnish
Occupation: Field Biologist

Henri says:
‘I am a nature photographer specialising in macro, but during winter time I like to shoot microphotography with an emphasis on scientific imaging and experimenting with new techniques. I like to search for different chemicals and compounds that will crystallise nicely and for this image I have used ascorbic acid, commonly known as vitamin C. 

I dissolve the chemical and let a few drops saturate on a microscope glass slide. It is always a surprise to see the colours and shapes appear. The process involves a lot of trial and error, but this time I was lucky and a beautiful crystal fish evolved.’

Technical information:
Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 L IS USM Macro + Nikon 10x 0.25 Plan Achromat Objective
ISO 100
f/2.8
1 sec
Technique: Cross polarised, wave retarded, focus stacked.
Magnification: x6 on sensor
Accessories: Tripod, Stackshot macro rail, two linear polarising filters for cross polarising and a DIY wave plate retarder. 
Post processing:  Focus stacking with Helicon Focus and edited with Helicon Filter.

Website: mushroomimage.com
Flickr: aarnijaheka