462HEALTH-RELATED PROFESSIONSpictures, videotapes, prints, and transparencies to document and record a broad spectrum of subjects and events used for education, patient records, and research, and as illustrations in publications. Photography is used to document the absence, presence, extent, and progress of a patient disease or injury, and still or motion pictures are used to record and study surgical procedures. Furthermore, photographs of specimens can be magnified to serve as records or to illustrate medical conditions for use in classrooms, courtrooms, or research laboratories. Biological photographers also participate in the planning, coordination, production, and dissemination of educational programs encompassing both visual and auditory media, and they are key personnel in any project in which recording of diagnosis, treatment, special technology, or any other aspect of health care is critical. A biological photographer can specialize in one of several areas. Ophthalmic photography, for example, involves the use of specialized equipment and techniques to photograph disorders and injuries of the eye; photomicrography involves photographs taken through a microscope; and cinematography is the production of motion pictures. Other specializations include dental photography, which records dental techniques and procedures, and autopsy/specimen photography, in which postmortem or surgical specimens are documented. Biological photographers are employed by many public and private hospitals; universities; medical schools; federal health organizations; research institutions; dental, veterinary, or natural science facilities; and some private medical and pharmaceutical suppliers. For the most part, they work regular hours, within normal hospital, office, or laboratory environments, and are not normally required to travel extensively. Occasionally, the physical conditions under which a biological photographer works change quite dramatically. For instance, he or she may spend some working time in close contact with patients, doctors, and staff members and some time in isolation, working in the darkroom. Biological photographers may also come in contact with harmful chemicals, strong odors, and contagious diseases when carrying out assignments. The biological photographer must, therefore, have the ability to adapt to a wide range of tasks and environmental conditions in addition to being skilled and creative in this profession.
