ABSTRACT
Ethical protocols are not usually considered a prime concern in most photographic processes, but scientifi c imaging practices have different considerations when compared to traditional photography. At a minimum, scientifi c photographs are recordings that stand in proxy for the results of the experiments from which they were taken. At the extreme, results are extracted directly from the images themselves. As such, these types of photograph must stand up to the same rigorous standards and scrutiny as any other part of a scientifi c experiment. The images must collect and preserve data and be managed in a scientifi c workfl ow much like the chain of custody for evidence in a forensic environment. The images must be more than just properly focused, composed, and exposed: they are actually technical documents that must provide an objective rendering of a scientifi c truth. Just as importantly, these images must provide accurate and reproducible data. Failure to follow standardized protocols can result in an inaccurate representation of a subject, which can lead to incorrect interpretations of an experimental result. Unchecked, these misinterpretations can result in questioning of the published data. In addition, the temptation to artifi cially alter the original images with software to make them clearer can result in alteration of the objective record, investigations of scientifi c misconduct, retractions of published works, as well as professional and public censure. At worst, years of work can be lost, careers can be destroyed, and legal hurdles can become overwhelming.
Manipulation of the visual record is the primary cause of unethical behavior in scientifi c imaging. It stands to reason that, if the captured image is considered to be a direct representation of a scientifi c subject, then altering that image would also alter the interpretation of the data it represents. Unrestrained manipulation with image editing programs is generally believed to be the primary example of such behavior, but there is more to it than that. Manipulation begins with the decision of what to photograph, continues with the choice of lighting and camera settings, includes post-capture processing and culminates in the presentation of the data itself. Additionally, digital fi le storage and retrieval can have some bearing on the perceived veracity of the published results as well. If not stored as original fi les in the proper format, questions may be raised about the original work. Complete understanding of all of these processes is one of the keys to an objective and accurate recording of a scientifi c subject. Likewise, uncontrolled modifi cation of these steps, either accidentally or on purpose, is the key to unethical imaging decisions and inaccurate scientifi c results. Ethical practices are, therefore, extremely important to proper scientifi c imaging.
