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.

Easy Listener, 2018

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

Land Rover Surf and Skate, 2022

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.

1939 Pontiac with Gangsters, 2016

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.

The high-tech studio, protected from x-rays.

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.