Scientific Photographer

Also known as:

Photographer, Scientific
Technical/Scientific Photographer

Introduction

Scientific photographers use sophisticated photographic techniques to produce precise and detailed photographs of events and industrial processes. These photographs are then used by scientists and engineers for training, to monitor industrial processes, to record experiments and for legal purposes.

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Work Activities

Scientific photographers use photographic skills to record information for use by scientists or engineers. They produce photographs for a variety of purposes. For example, they may photograph a research project at high speed over a very short period of time, keeping detailed notes. At other times they may produce videos, slides and other visual aids for conferences and training purposes or illustrative/exhibition/publication work. Scientific photographers have to choose the medium best suited to analytical procedures/computerised processing.

While they employ standard photographic techniques part of the time, they also make use of more sophisticated methods of photography such as:
• ultraviolet photography
• infrared photography
• high speed photography
• photomicrography (taking photographs through a microscope)
• macrography (close-ups with high magnification)
• time lapse photography
• holography.

Electronic imaging, such as video, is used to complement conventional materials. In some instances, scientific photographers may have to adapt equipment to overcome a particular problem or to take photographs from uncomfortable or precarious angles.

Scientific photographers travel locally and nationally.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You must have an eye for shape, form and colour as well as the technical ability to handle cameras, lenses and lighting equipment. You must be able to select and use the most suitable techniques for the job. A good knowledge of physics and optics is important because of the sophisticated photographic techniques that are used.

The work calls for precision and meticulous attention to detail. You must also be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines. It is important that you ensure that you keep fully up-to date with the rapidly changing world of photographic technology.

You need to have a combination of patience and determination in order to get the right picture, and you should be good at working as part of a team.

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Pay and Opportunities

Pay rates for scientific photographers vary depending on whether they are employed or self-employed.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Scientific photographers earn in the range of £15,000 - £17,500 a year, rising to around £22,000 - £28,000. Higher earners can make around £40,000 a year.

Working hours can vary. Some photographers work regular office hours over a 37-hour week, Monday to Friday. Others work irregular hours, which may include early starts, late finishes, and work at weekends and on public holidays. Self-employed, freelance photographers can choose their own working hours.

The main employers of scientific photographers are the Civil Service (the Ministry of Defence having the largest department), the Defence Research Agency, universities, industrial firms and industrial research associations. Some industrial concerns use freelance photographers.

Entry to this occupation is very competitive.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

This is an extremely competitive field. Relevant skills and abilities and/or qualifications are usually preferred. A portfolio of photographic work is important. Knowledge of and qualifications in specific areas of science and technology can also be useful.

Photography can be studied on a full- or part-time basis, or it can develop from a hobby. It is useful to update your skills by taking short courses in photographic techniques and methods such as those offered by City & Guilds.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course (eg, Access to Art and Design) could be the way in. No formal qualifications are usually required, but you should check individual course details.

They can lead to relevant degree/HND courses.

Relevant courses in photography, at various levels, are offered by a number of centres, by distance learning.

Universities and colleges of higher education (HE) will usually consider applications from candidates who do not meet their usual entry requirements, especially those with relevant experience. You should check the admissions policy of individual universities and HE colleges.

• 19% of people who work in occupations such as scientific photographer work part-time.
• 8% have flexible hours.
• 5% of employees work on a temporary basis

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