Renaissance and Space Photography

Crazy couple of photo news stories just came out that really caught my attention:

A 16th century master used modern darkroom techniques to create his masterpieces, more than 200 years before the invention of the camera, according to researchers… suggest that he treated the canvas with light-sensitive substances, including a luminescent powder made from crushed fireflies… He then used white lead mixed with chemicals such as mercury, to outline the image in greater clarity…

Back in the future world, a group of teen school kids in Spain built a space camera for about $100. They launched a heavy-duty latex balloon laden with a digital camera and “high-tech sensors” (I assume a GPS or iPhone or something) and sent it up about 20 miles above the earth.

“We took readings as the balloon rose and mapped its progress using Google Earth and the onboard radio receiver,” said Gerard. “At over 100,000ft the balloon lost its inflation and the equipment was returned to the earth. We travelled 10km to find the sensors and photographic card, which was still emitting its signal, even though it had been exposed to the most extreme conditions.”

Bravo, space balloon camera kids.