Using lasers to study microorganisms.
Why did you light it that way, and why did you compose it a certain way? I am often asked these questions and ask myself them as I work.
I was asked to photograph the two lady researchers’ microorganism research in the photo of them. When I get to these labs, they do not usually have the equipment set up. I first have a conversation and then listen for visual cues to help tell their story.
The computer screen is a photograph taken through a microscope of the laser passing through and making some measurements. They wouldn’t have this in the room set up like this for their research, so I asked to put it there so you could quickly read what they are working on. I also wanted to show the laser, so I made it appear in the photo.
I chose blue to set the tone for the research, but I also realized it would complement the laser’s red color.
Do you think the photo reads quickly yet simultaneously makes you stop to look at it?
This research is about a cyborg. This is where the human and machine are intertwined with each other. The wearable computer’s small screen is at the eye, where the subject can use the information to do something. Here, the information is to help the subject navigate around a city with information.
When I showed up, I asked to see the information on the screen. I then asked if the information could be seen on another monitor, and the researcher pulled out their small monitor. I tried to bring everything closer to help communicate what the researcher saw in their heads-up display.
How did I do with this one?
This photo was taken a couple of years before the one above. One thing I noticed is that wearable devices are getting smaller.
In this photo, I was able to show the operator using the device to help repair a circuit board, with the schematic visible in the viewfinder.
If I could redo this photo, I would have used a small monitor to show what was in the viewfinder. Do you think it works this way, or would you prefer to see the contents on a screen in the photo?
Over time, I have discovered that each new technology builds upon earlier research. I can see the evolution, which often helps me understand some of the nuances of the advances in research.
While the story in each situation was about what is on the screens and how wearable technology is being embraced in more industries, the photo helps communicate another aspect over time—the size changes and maybe even how they develop more style with each new device improvement.
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| Using virtual reality to help cure the fear of flying |
Sometimes, many of the research projects I get to photograph work better as a video. However, your significant newspapers and magazines’ primary audience is often the printed page. You still need to capture as much of the story as possible in a single image and in a way that engages the viewer.
Combining elements into one image helps tell the story much better. Here, the virtual headgear display with the computer screen in the background helps communicate a little about what is happening for the subject. What would you suggest to make this more successful?
Does it get your attention? That is the first point of all reasonable photography—it has to stop the reader. I used separate light and gel on the mold to draw your attention. The grid light on the subject also catches the front of the mold.
The researcher is trying to help make more accurate parts through injection molds. Depending on the materials, a mold may have to be adjusted to compensate for how the part shrinks or grows bigger while being made. These parts are often removed, put into a kiln, and heated to very high temperatures. This is done with ceramics, which are significantly used in our products.
How did I do with this photo?
