A method of imaging using selective fluorescent emitters and compositions for imaging are described. The method can include contacting a specimen with a composition comprising at least one selective fluorescent emitter of Formulas I through IX and irradiating the specimen with an excitation wavelength. The fluorescence emitted by the selective fluorescent emitter can be detected to generate an image. Formulas I through IX are:wherein: R1=OR4 or NR3R4 R2=OR4, NR3R4, Cl, F or H R3=H, CH3, C2H5, C3H7 or C4H9 R4=H, CH3, C2H5, C3H7 or C4H9 R5=H or CH2(CH2)nNR3R4 R6=H or CH2(CH2)nNR3R4 R7=OR4, NR3R4, Cl, F or H R8=N-methylpyridinium or N-methyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine and n=1, 2 or 3.
