Introducing: The Physics of Photography

Exploring the Intersection of Art and Science

I am excited to announce the publication of the first two introductory articles in my new series exploring the intersection of physics and photography. This series, driven by my passion for physics, science, and photography, aims to elucidate the intricate relationship between these fields.

The first article, "The Physics of Photography: An Integrated Approach," articulates the motivation and inspiration behind this series. This project, which has been in my mind for over a decade, is finally coming to fruition.

The second article, "Physics & Photography Entwined," explores the fundamental physical principles underpinning photography. It provides a basic overview of how concepts such as electromagnetic waves, geometrical optics, and exposure shape our understanding of the photographic process. These topics will form the core of the series.

The forthcoming final introductory article, "The Role of Photography in Scientific Exploration," will investigate the integral role of photography and imaging techniques in scientific discovery and communication. From astronomy to photogrammetry, it will examine how photography does more than just document the world around us—it also broadens our understanding of the universe.

These introductory articles set the stage for an in-depth exploration of the confluence of physics and photography, promising fresh perspectives on both disciplines.

The series will eventually cover a wide range of topics, including Light and Electromagnetic Waves, Refraction, Geometrical Optics, the role of lenses in photography, understanding focal length, and the physics of exposure. It will also explore the roles of aperture, shutter speed, and ISO in shaping our photographs and the underlying principles that affect depth-of-field, image noise, blur, and motion. Moreover, the series will shed light on how photography has been and continues to be a powerful tool in scientific exploration and discovery.

Here is the homepage for the series - I’ll be sure to post when new material is out in my Substack Newsletters - so be sure to subscribe for updates!

I hope you find these articles both enlightening and engaging. Please stay tuned for future updates, as the series structure is currently fluid, with frequent additions expected as it unfolds.

Thank you for reading!