For educational or research purposes, a scientific photographer captures natural and experimental phenomena. The precise and detailed recording of scientific data is the focus of this field of photography. Composition, lighting, and other issues are important, but the image’s final framing and presentation can be dictated non-artistic requirements. Because many scientific phenomena are visually captivating, some scientific photographers blur the lines between art and science, creating works that are both aesthetically pleasing and scientifically useful.
Experiments are documented some scientific photographers. Photographing conditions in the lab as well as during each stage of the event is part of this documentation. Depending on the nature of the experiment, a scientific photographer may be required to use techniques such as micrography, which involves taking images through a microscope. Photographs are used experimenters in their publications to show how their work was done and to show their results.
Others may take photographs for the purpose of illustration. Images are also used in reference materials such as flower keys for botanists, and scientific texts benefit from having photos to accompany their information. For the most accurate reference images, these images require the use of ideal sample specimens. Scientific photographers may be commissioned news organizations to photograph phenomena of interest for a story, where the images must be both informative and appealing to the general public.
Imaging to further scientific research and understanding is another option for a scientific photographer. Rosalind Franklin, for example, used x-ray crystallography to highlight important aspects of the DNA structure. Her research made a significant contribution to the field of human genetics. As she demonstrated, scientific photographers can use nonvisible energy, such as infrared, ultraviolet, and other forms of radiation, to create detailed images that provide valuable information about the natural world.
Following the capture of images, the scientific photographer carefully develops and processes them. Photographers don’t want to change or obscure the results of their images, so they have to be careful with things like color pass filtering to avoid removing or confusing data. They’re also concerned about things like focus, composition, and style, which can mean the difference between a clear, understandable image and a dull, uninformative image.
Working as a scientific photographer necessitates a knowledge of science as well as photography. To get clear, usable images, the photographer may need to manipulate certain aspects of the environment without disrupting the science. Simple steps could include placing a specimen on a colored background to increase contrast and make the resulting image stand out. Photographers can capture a variety of phenomena with a variety of cameras, lenses, and filters.