Structure of the #Covid19 virus (based on microscope images, image by Andriy Onufriyenko of Getty Images, used here non-commercially for academic purposes)

Structure of the #Covid19 virus (based on microscope images, image by Andriy Onufriyenko of Getty Images, used here non-commercially for academic purposes)

From the Getty Images photographer Andriy Onufriyenko: “I was looking through images of viruses and other microorganisms and noticed that most pictures look dark, scary, heavy. I had the idea to create a different series of COVID‑19 in a more direct, neutral, and engaging way. To make them look serious, of course, but also intriguing, to invite viewers to look more closely.  I wanted to keep a photorealistic quality, with rich texture, and give more openness to each composition. I used dynamic color against flat backgrounds to create a quick contrast – it puts the main object in front and the picture becomes catchy so fast. You don’t need even to think about the composition for a layout, even with other layers of metaphors and meanings, they are simple and clear, easy to use.  Nowadays there are so many scary and negative things so I hope my images will help people to look to something in a bit more engaged, curious, and maybe even optimistic way.”