Should I be a scientific photographer?

Ever stared at an insect and thought: "I wish more people could see this"?                      

Next, you take close pictures of the bug and post them on your social media. Scientific photographers do that...and more.

But don't be confused: scientific photographers don't strive for beautiful pictures or try to make specimens look "pretty". They try to capture details so precisely that images can provide useful information to scientists.

Scientific photographers take photos "to collect scientific data and imagery for scientific research and applied sciences" like medicine or agriculture, and education.

Scientific photography allows us to see and understand the world when what we want to observe is too small, big, or far away, or when phenomena move too quickly or slowly.

Photo by NASA on Unsplash

From cells to outer space, scientific photographers record the most amazing images!

• Microphotography: images of cells, bacteria, or tiny organisms.

• Macrophotography: close-ups of insects, rocks, or materials to capture details of a surface or structure.

• Earth and environment: underwater life, cloud systems, landscapes, oceanography, meteorology, geography, and agriculture.

• Medical and forensic images: X-rays and tissue samples used for diagnosis or evidence.

• Astronomical images: stars, galaxies, planets, and even changes in the sky, used in space research and weather.

A scientific photographer's duties depend on what they photograph, where they do it, and why. However, preparation, execution, and processing are always part of their routine.

On a given day, they might:

• Set up and test equipment (cameras, lenses, microscopes, infrared/UV, and thermal systems)

• Prepare or identify samples, subjects, or areas to be photographed

• Capture images applying proper techniques (exposure, focus, etc.)

• Record detailed information for each image (specimen/subject/area, technique used, experimental conditions, time, setting, etc.)

• Process, organize, archive, and deliver files

It doesn't matter what type of images scientific photographers generate — they help communicate science better. Take a look at the video below to see what a difference the contribution of a scientific photographer can make.

The salary range for a scientific photographer is:

• $44,260-$68,229 in the United States

• $46,358-70,634 CAD in Canada

The exact amount depends on the professional's experience and training, and the industry they work in. Scientific photographers can work in hospitals, research labs, museums, and other industries.

Are there any risks to the job?

Some photographers travel for work or work in risky environments, like hospitals or places where they can be hurt or get infections like malaria.

On a similar note, photographers could unintentionally put patients' data at risk if the equipment used is insecure.

Imagine this:

You're in a lab or out in the field. You may need to wake up early, work in uncomfortable environments, or spend hours trying to capture a single image. Your photos won't always be beautiful, but they help scientists understand something new.

How do you feel about that?

• I love it: I'd enjoy contributing to science this way.

• Not for me: I prefer photography focused on creativity or aesthetics.