Feliz Frankle, an award-winning science photographer, shares insights into her unique role of visually communicating complex scientific research. She discusses the balance between documentation and illustration, ethical considerations in image manipulation, the impact of AI on science photography, and her efforts to engage the public's curiosity through accessible scientific imagery.
Today on Chalk Radio, we explore the fascinating world of science photography with Feliz Frankle, an award-winning photographer whose work has appeared in prestigious publications like Nature and Science, and even featured in Ang Lee's 2003 film Hulk. Feliz shares her journey, techniques, and thoughts on the evolving role of photography in science, especially in the age of AI.
Feliz defines science photography as the art and practice of photographing science itself. This involves capturing images of phenomena that are often invisible to the naked eye, sometimes requiring specialized equipment like scanning electron microscopes. Her work documents engineered materials and scientific research, serving as a visual record of scientific discoveries.
She emphasizes that her background in biology and chemistry is crucial, enabling her to engage in meaningful dialogue with scientists to understand what aspects of their work are most important to capture. This collaboration ensures that the images communicate the core scientific message effectively.
Feliz's motivation is multifaceted:
She notes that while everyone takes pictures nowadays, science photography is a specialized language that helps people participate in understanding science visually.
While Feliz makes design decisions such as cropping, lighting, and angle, she is very careful not to manipulate the data itself. The primary purpose of her images is to document real scientific phenomena, not to create art for art's sake. She distinguishes between:
This distinction is critical, especially as image manipulation can misrepresent scientific facts.
Feliz's path was unconventional. With an undergraduate degree in biology and chemistry, she initially worked in a cancer research lab before transitioning to architectural photography. A fellowship at Harvard Graduate School of Design rekindled her passion for science, leading her to photograph scientific research.
Her breakthrough came when she collaborated with prominent chemist George Whitesides, producing a cover image for Science magazine. This success launched her career in science photography, eventually leading to a research scientist position at MIT, supported by multiple departments.
Feliz uses a variety of equipment:
She maintains a studio in her condominium where she conducts much of her work.
Rather than scientists coming to her, Feliz visits labs to understand the research and discuss potential images. She works closely with researchers to create images that can be used for journal covers and publications, balancing scientific accuracy with visual appeal.
Sometimes, disagreements arise over design choices. For example, Nobel laureate Munji Buendy preferred a straightforward, documentary-style image of nano crystal vials, while Feliz initially created a more artistic composition. Ultimately, she yields to the researcher's preference for accuracy but notes that her artistic image still hangs in his office.
Feliz recounts an incident where a graduate student altered one of her images in Photoshop, changing the contact angle measurement critical to understanding hydrophobicity. This manipulation compromised the scientific integrity of the image, highlighting the importance of ethical standards in science photography.
She stresses the need for ongoing conversations about image ethics, especially with younger researchers, to maintain trust within the scientific community and with the public.
The rise of AI-generated images presents new challenges. Feliz experimented with AI to recreate one of her images of nano crystals. The first attempt was cartoonish and inaccurate, but a later attempt was frighteningly close to reality.
She insists that AI-generated images must never be presented as documentary photographs but rather as explanatory illustrations. Transparency about image origins is essential to maintain trust.
Feliz advocates for increased education in critical visual literacy, starting within academia, to help researchers and the public discern between authentic and manipulated images.
Feliz is authoring a book titled Phenomenal Moments, aimed at young adults and families, revealing the hidden science in everyday phenomena. The book uses captivating images, such as a flower composed of hundreds of smaller flowers and the iridescence of opal, to spark curiosity and encourage readers to explore the science around them.
She hopes readers will be inspired to observe the world more deeply, take their own photographs, and ask questions about what they see.
Feliz acknowledges that photographs rarely capture the full beauty of a phenomenon but believes the act of seeing and trying to capture it is valuable. Each attempt deepens understanding and appreciation.
Feliz offers a free course on MIT OpenCourseWare titled "Making Science and Engineering Pictures," featuring 42 tutorials with voice-over explanations. The course covers her techniques and philosophy, recently updated to include discussions on AI.
Feliz Frankle embodies curiosity, humility, and dedication to scientific integrity. Her work bridges the gap between complex research and public understanding, using photography as a powerful communication tool.
Despite the challenges posed by AI and image manipulation, she remains optimistic that authentic science photography will continue to be valued for its role in building trust and inspiring wonder.
As a fun fact, one of Feliz's photographs even appears on a laboratory wall in the movie The Hulk (2003), showcasing the unique intersection of science, art, and popular culture in her career.
Feliz Frankle's journey and insights remind us that science photography is not just about capturing images but about telling stories that make science accessible, trustworthy, and fascinating to all.
