ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the relationship that exists between the photographer, the subject matter, and the person viewing the images that are created in this process. There is no over-arching written code providing specific guidance for adoption of ethical practices in scientific photography, but it is a very important consideration. As with all scientific pursuits, the documentation and analysis of truth relies on an implied understanding that the work being presented is untainted in any way. Scientific veracity depends on an objective viewpoint and an unflinching analysis of the results. Scientific images are used for both quantitative, as well as qualitative purposes. The amount of information captured is dependent on the specifications of the camera’s sensor. When considering qualitative issues, sensor resolution and sensitivity are important for high quality results, but when capturing quantitative information, those options become critical. Ethical considerations in scientific imaging fall along a continuum of practices.
