Scientific Photography

Examples of scientific photography

Some relevant examples of this type of photography used in the field of research is through photographing images of the changing sky to aide in weather forecasting, or by capturing images of micro-organisms under a microscope. The constantly changing occurrences in a subject can be studied through photographs which also allow the photographer to capture minute details which would otherwise be missed by the naked eye observations.

Equipment

The scientific photographer may require advanced photography equipment to work in this genre. Let’s look at some of the equipment that may be required to capture suitable scientific imagery.

Camera

One cannot pinpoint a specific camera that is perfect for every situation in this type of photography because this genre has a lot of sub-genres. However, scientific photography can be divided into several sub-genres of photography including astronomy, forensic, wildlife, UV, biology and a lot more, with each usually requiring high quality equipment which will aid in an increased superiority of final imagery. The equipment requirements for scientific photography would differ as per the sub-type the photographer is aiming to shoot.

For example, cameras such as the Nikon D850, Fujifilm X-T4, and Sony A7 III are good all-round fits for most situations from astrophotography to macro photography but may not prove a great match for microscope-level photography. The type of scientific photography will usually determine the equipment.

Quality scientific photography equipment

No matter what type of scientific photography you choose, opting for quality equipment is an important thing to remember. A quality camera along with a good compatible range of lenses for your subject will ensure your photography kit is a fit for all types of photography. For example, getting a wide lens for astrophotography and micro lens for nature and biological photography will have you prepared for your genre.

Must haves in scientific photography

What we can tell you are a few must-haves in your scientific photography kit so that you have the best companion equipment, and you are ready to photograph anytime, anywhere, especially on commercial assignments.

Laptop, tripods, suitable memory cards are all other requisites for most types of photography, but for scientific photography you may need a kit that also includes ND and UV filters, thermal and infrared compatible devices, halogens, torches or UV lamps.

Places to try scientific photography

There are many employment opportunities in scientific photography. If you are a first-time scientific photographer, it might be difficult to get a job right away. However, if you are interested in pursuing this as a full-time career you can start by creating a portfolio of your best scientific images.

Nearest labs

You can always visit your nearest laboratory or commercial business and inquire whether they require a scientific photographer for any of their ongoing research or business processes.

Explore the sub-types

An advantage of scientific photography being a broad term is that you can include a variety of subject types in your portfolio. For example, scientific photography sub-types my include macro photography of geological rocks, the patterns produced by electrical discharges from power lines, the heat generated by the gear box or engine of a fishing vessel, dental photography and photography through microscopes of bacteria and organisms.

Create your own research project

Create a research project for yourself! Explore your strengths and weaknesses. If you feel you are better at photographing plants and animals, then try it out. Or try photographing grains of sand and rocks, or the minute details in the feathers of a bird or wings of a butterfly. Create your experiment and become proficient in subject. Even a simple project of photographing the same plant for days and observing its growth could be your experiment’s aim.

Patience

As a scientific photographer, you will need to be extremely patient with your subject. Sometimes you may have to take and retake certain images due to changes in the research criteria or changes in documentation procedures.

Foresight

Professional scientific photographers will generally recommended newcomer scientific photographers study their subjects in detail first. Foresight is something that comes only with the on-field experience of scientific photography, which means the photographer should have the understanding to predict or anticipate changes in their subjects during an assignment. It will undoubtedly help you to plan the shots ahead of time, and with full guidance from the scientist or client so that the brief can be completed successfully.

Focus stacking

When micro subjects are being photographed there may be a requirement to have the entire subject in focus. Where the subject is stationery focus stacking may be a viable way to photograph. Focus stacking is the photography and subsequent post-processing technique of combining multiple images that have been taken at different focus distances. The resultant image has a much greater depth of field than any of the individual source photographs. This technique is commonly used when photographing insects.

Composition

Even though beautification of the images is rarely a requirement in scientific photography, handling the composition of the images correctly will not only ensure the pictures look aesthetically pleasing but it will also help you capture the necessary environment and elements of the assignment and of the subject.

Post-processing

There may be no need for excessive editing in scientific photography, as the usual sole purpose is to capture the natural state of the subject. However, the addition of filters during scientific photography may be a requirement during the session to ensure the accurate state of the subject has been captured.

Scientific Photography Portfolio

Build a website portfolio and on your social accounts at TikTok, Facebook and Instagram.

Final words

Scientific Photography may be one of the most difficult genres of photography but can be very rewarding. The photographer should also have an appropriate degree of knowledge of the field of science if attempting this genre in a commercial capacity or have good guidance from the client.