Making Science and Engineering Pictures: A Practical Guide to Presenting Your Work

In this course you will learn the basics of photography and gain an intriguing new perspective into the visual world. The course begins with a gentle introduction to photographic tools, then moves into more advanced practical work. Although the emphasis is on photographing science and engineering subjects, most of the material applies broadly to macro photography. Through video tutorials and activity assignments using a camera, flatbed scanner, and mobile devices, you will explore how subtle changes in lighting, composition, and background create more effective images. You will learn to think graphically and prepare photographs for journal figures, covers, and grant submissions, and hear interviews with notable image makers and art directors. A 2026 update adds discussion of generative AI in science photography, highlighting pitfalls, ethics, and guardrails needed to ensure honest and communicative research images.