Are you aware that photography is an essential part of the documentation of medical procedures? It may come as a little surprise that a specialist professional is trained to capture this information. These are the Clinical Photographers.
Who is a Clinical Photographer?
Clinical or Medical Photographers come under the category of scientific photographers. Their main job is to the recording of different types of medical data by the use of photography. They should be experts in scientific procedures, photography techniques and proper usage of equipment.
These professionals should maintain proper hand-eye coordination to make sure there are clear photographs captured. They capture photographs, videos and graphic images that are useful for proper patient care, medical education and research.
Responsibilities of Clinical Photographers
- Wear protective clothing and maintain strict hygiene roles while working in clinical settings.
- Ability to carry heavy photographic equipment and lighting machines between various departments of the hospital.
- Be comfortable and ease patients who are faced with distressing and upsetting situations.
- Help the doctors diagnose the patient’s conditions by taking photographs with digital cameras.
- Take sequence of photographs to record a patient’s progress after undergoing treatment.
- Record surgical procedures of an undergoing operation using a video or digital camera in the operation theater.
- Recording of post-mortem examinations in the mortuary.
- Use specific equipment for recording of different body structures such as eye that uses ophthalmic imaging.
- Make videos demonstrating surgical procedures or for identification of problems with patient’s mobility.
- Using techniques such as photomicrography to be able to see microscopic objects in detail.
- Photographing of medical conditions and surgery to be illustrated in medical textbooks, journals, reports, information leaflets and prospectuses.
Educational Requirements
- Completion of 10+2 in sciences stream from recognized board.
- Apply to post-secondary education programs.
- Pursue Bachelors degree in photography or in related field like biology or chemistry where candidates will know how to apply photography techniques and how to utilize photography software along with equipment.
- For a career in medical photography, aspirants should pursue courses in anatomy, biology, chemistry, medical terminology.
- Masters in clinical photography.
Top Photography colleges in India
- Delhi College of Photography, Delhi.
- Light and Life Academy.
- Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University, Hyderabad.
- AJ Kidwai Mass Communication Research Center.
- Asian Academy of Film and Education.
- Osmania University.
- National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad.
- Sir JJ Institute of Applied Arts.
- National Institute of Photography.
- Indian Institute of Digital Art and Animation.
- Pixel Institute of Photography.
Abroad Universities offering clinical photography
- Staffordshire University, U.K.
- Cardiff University, U.K.
Required Skills for a Clinical Photographer
- Photography software and editing skills.
- Interest with knowledge in anatomy and physiology.
- Awareness about health and safety procedures along with legislation.
- Basic knowledge of software of computer graphics.
- Good team working skills.
- Understand what consent means and data protection.
- Good observational skills and accurate while taking photographs.
- Be passionate and empathetic while interacting with patients.
- Possess normal color vision.
- Not be squeamish when taking photographs of patients.
Work Conditions of Clinical Photographers
- They mostly work in hospital wards, operation theaters, clinics, labs, offices or studios.
- Work with a team including medical professionals like doctors, nurses, scientists etc.
Career Advancement
One sure-shot way of advancing your career in medical photography is working towards roles in management and leadership. When professionals get into management roles, they end up getting more administrative responsibilities and less photography related work.
The other career advancement option is a continuation of studies specializing in technical or clinical photography or can opt for various training programs. A good foundation in one too many digital platforms will make you better photography and increasing your chances of employability.
With relevant experience, you can get promoted to the level of senior photographer. If you are interested in teaching your skills to students, you can apply to colleges for a teaching position or get into staff training.
Salary and Career Prospects
Clinical Photography is a stable paying career option. The median yearly salary of clinical photographers is $36,280. The average salaries are in the range of $20,000 to $45,000. Most of the entry-level positions offer $20 to $25 per hourly wage.
Working overtime also adds a significant amount of wage to the earnings of a clinical photographer. After taking the overtime pay into consideration, the annual earning potential for these professionals working full time can range from approximately $50,000 to $100,000 yearly.
The career outlook for photographers including in the medical field is projected at 6% during the coming decade. The employment opportunities for these professionals are at the peak that has specializations such as Ophthalmic Photography.
– Samiya Firdous
