Most of us have had X-rays taken of us. But it’s safe to say that probably none of us have those X-rays printed or framed on a wall. 

Nick Veasey has changed that conversation, with his unique and utterly fascinating take on X-ray photography.

And no, this isn’t some digital trickery. No AI used.

It’s actual, full-size X-ray photography. The UK-based photographer has made a name for himself by going the distance to create these highly specialized images. 

Why X-Rays?

Veasey explains his reasoning for taking on the medium of X-rays:

“We live in a world obsessed with image. What we look like, what our clothes look like, houses, cars… I like to counter this obsession with superficial appearance by using X-rays to strip back the layers and show what it is like under the surface. Often the integral beauty adds intrigue to the familiar.”

– Nick Veasey

Here’s how he does it:

Working with x-rays comes with serious safety risks, so Nick has built a custom concrete “black box” to contain the radiation while he works.

Inside, he has several x-ray machines with different capabilities, all set up to safely capture images. The x-ray head units are inside the secure area, while the controls are outside. 

To take an x-ray, the subject is placed on a lead floor or wall with film positioned behind it.

Once everything’s set, Nick steps outside, adjusts the settings, and runs the machine based on the material he’s imaging—more x-rays for heavy steel, less for lighter materials like plastic.

Afterward, Nick processes the film and scans it at super high resolution to get crisp details. The digital files are then cleaned up and fine-tuned by his small team of image experts. 

For big projects, like a plane image made from over 500 x-rays, their skill really shines. Sometimes they add color, sometimes they don’t, but the end result is always the same: stunningly detailed x-rays that are equal parts science and art.

Below are some of our favorites, which cover a range of subjects and playful scenes. It’s amazing to see people’s bones, their skeletons to exposed in everyday situations. Being able to peer through the metal of a car is equally fascinating and compelling.

See more of Veasey’s fascinating work on his website, and learn more about his process. 

Images © Copyright Nick Veasey. Used with artist’s permission. 

“Creating beautiful pieces of art comes with a risk – working with x-rays is dangerous. 

Safety is paramount, so all the radiation is contained in a bespoke concrete chamber. 

This is where the vast majority of the x-ray work is created.”