What is the difference between an illustration and a photograph?
Today’s technology and the advances in image capturing devices make many people wonder about the applicability of science illustration. In a few words: illustrations are custom-made images. A camera captures only what we put in front of the lens; an illustrator chooses what is to be represented, collects information from many and different sources and studies the most effective way of sending the visual message. He or she will come up with the better strategy to successfully communicate and make sure that the illustration conveys subtleties, eliminates the ambiguities of language; that it is appealing, clear, and above all scientifically accurate. Science illustration can get across what is not visible revealing abstract concepts, mechanisms, processes and even extinct organisms and environments which will never be achievable by a camera.
