A photograph is an image of a subject captured from real life by a camera. Cameras can operate across various wavelength ranges of electromagnetic radiation, including the visible light spectrum, ultraviolet, infrared and X-ray.
Photographs are a useful and cost-effective method for technical and data recording, analysis, measurement, reporting or research. A photograph should be used when it would help the reader’s understanding of the subject being discussed. A good photograph can provide detail and context that might otherwise require hundreds of words to convey.
Photographs can be used to:
- define subjects that may otherwise be interpreted subjectively, such as particular colouration or texture, or relationships between parts of the subject
- illustrate or describe a subject, such as an animal or a landscape
- record information
- show small subjects that require magnification (photomacrography)
- show subjects viewed using microscopes (photomicrography)
- demonstrate or instruct, such as photographs of medical procedures
- compare, such as ‘before’ and ‘after’ images
- add visual interest to a publication (which increases the likelihood of its being picked up by a reader)
- break up the density of text on a page (which increases the readability of the publication).
Photographs can be poorly produced – you may need expert help. Understanding some technical principles of photography, and the quality and resolution needed for publication is critical.
Remember to consider image accessibility guidance when using photographs.
This section covers: