This guide was made specifically for Leica programs and microscopes. The microscope we used to create this how-to guide is the Leica M205 C, consisting of z-stacking capabilities and a motorized column for effortless imaging.
Shiny or Dark Seeds
For shiny and/or dark seeds, like Gouania sp., the goal is to minimize reflections while capturing the natural morphology and appearance of the seeds. High Dynamic Range, or HDR mode (see Section 2—The Image Tab), exposes seeds to different levels of exposure and stacks those images together. This helps avoid the seed being over or underexposed while capturing its qualities.
Gouania meyenii
Gouania meyenii
The image on the left is taken with HDR, and the image on the right is not. The one on the right is on a lower light setting to attempt to decrease the reflection. The one on the left is not, and the HDR keeps the morphological integrity intact, being the true color of the seed.