Right after the cliched photo on the book jacket, where the author rests their chin on their hand - a totally natural pose, right?- a close second-favorite cliche is the scientist looking up at a test tube or a beaker. Since I know you know what I'm talking about, I assembled some of my favorites.
Here's the classic - scientist with tube, slight smile. Note the requisite lab coat. No fuss, no muss.
Ok, now these are interesting - note the introduction of the goggles. Can't risk contamination!
Now the woman on the top is clearly using proper precautions - the mask is a nice touch. But the woman on the bottom...Watch out, lady! You're too close! Pull back!!!
Finally, some men. Funny how in the genre of scientist-with-testtube photos, there's the exact opposite of a Lawrence Summers gender imbalance. Women are all over the place.
And just like in real labs, everybody's having a great time together!
And finally, there's the high-art twist: the close-focus/distant-out-of-focus shot. Even better: Keep both the near and far in focus. That's true artistry, and proof that, like any good familiar art form, there's always room for an innovative visionary to shake things up with a whole new interpretation of the form.
