Photomicrography is the practice of photographing microscopic objects for scientific purposes, used in forensic laboratories and medical research. Digital technology has simplified the process, and it was pioneered in the 1800s. It is used to process evidence traces from crime scenes and has been used to create art.
Photomicrography is the practice of photographing microscopic objects or creatures, usually for scientific purposes. Photomicrography is used extensively in forensic laboratories and medical research, as well as other fields that require the study of microscopic detail. In the 19th and 20th centuries, photomicrographs, also called micrographs, were produced by attaching or aligning a film camera with a microscope, a complicated process. Digital technology has made it possible to synchronize the two devices electronically so that live images can be viewed in real time.
Photomicrography was pioneered in the 1800s, just a few decades after photography itself was introduced. Scientists quickly realized that photomicrography would facilitate the study of cell structure, pathogenic bacteria and other microscopic materials. As forensic science came into use in crime investigation in the early 20th century, photomicrography became an important tool for examining traces—small details that can connect a suspect to a crime scene.
Zoom lenses and camera microscopes work on the same basic principle: use magnifying glasses and sometimes mirrors to magnify a spot while maintaining sharp focus. Early photomicrography involved complex arrangements of cameras and microscopes. In some cases, the camera lens has actually been removed, making the microscope actually used as a lens. Digital technology has eliminated the need for such painstaking device alignments; the microscopic image is processed as digital data. This data can be saved to a computer, stored as a still image or video, and magnified on a screen, all while the object is still under the microscope.
Photomicrography may be best known in modern times for its use in processing evidence traces from crime scenes. Traces of evidence come from the microscopic particles produced when two substances come into contact. For example, a man walking on carpet will collect carpet fibers on his shoes, as well as leave tiny particles of dirt or other matter from the soles of the shoes on the carpet itself. By examining a crime scene, investigators can use photomicrography to find these trace elements and link them to a suspect. Unless the evidence on the trail is particularly strong, other evidence must be acquired to convict a suspect in court.
Photomicrography is often portrayed on crime television shows such as NCIS and Bones, though not always realistically. Photomicrography has also been used to create art. Photographer and scientist Roman Vishniac often displayed his micrographs alongside his artistic work, inspiring later photographers to seek out images of microscopic beauty. One of Vishniac’s most groundbreaking images used microphotography to portray the world as it might be seen by a faceted-eyed insect.
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