Health Career: Biophotographer
Who are biophotographers and what do they do?
Biophotographers, also called medical photographers, are professional photographers who work in the health care industry. They help health experts learn more about the human body and disease by taking photos of many different parts of the body, including internal organs and tissues. They work with sophisticated cameras, microscopes, lighting and other photography equipment.
How does a biophotographer typically spend his or her workday?
As a biophotographer, you will generally work in a health-related organization such as a medical, dental or veterinary school or in a clinical environment such as a hospital or health clinic. You will work with doctors and other health professionals in setting up appropriate photographic shots of operations and other patient procedures that will help teach people about the human body, diseases and treatments. You will spend several hours preparing and performing the photo shoot. Then you will need to develop, assemble and submit your photographs to either the hospital or health organization or to a professional medical journal to be considered for publication.
What does it take to be a good biophotographer?
If you are interested in photography and want to work in a job where you will be constantly learning, biophotography may be the profession for you. You should enjoy working with your hands and with photography equipment, and also like learning about science, biology and health care. You should be able to remain calm under pressure.
What are some other health-related jobs that are similar to that of a biophotographer?
Health writer/editor, medical illustrator.
Helpful links and more information:
- BioCommunications Association
- Health and Science Communications Association
- Health Careers Center – Medical Photographer
- The Journal of Biocommunication
