The photograph is of an ‘artificial uterus’ that was under development at a medical university in Japan. The research is related to addressing the problem of premature birth in humans, a serious medical issue in Japan. In Japan they do the research with goats, and I was sent to photograph the operation of removing the goat foetus from its mother. Having gotten on well with the medical team, I was able to re-set my lights and make this photograph quickly after the operation. The goat foetus was at the equivalent gestation of a 26 week old human foetus. It is removed from the mother, and immersed in this tank of artificial amniotic fluid where many have lived to full gestation. It’s a photo I still like as I was able to make something a little different.

Tom graduated with a journalism degree before starting his photography career in newspapers. He then assisted in New York City and Chicago before returning to newspapers and freelance work. In 1991 he moved to Japan, where he lived for thirteen years, doing primarily editorial and corporate work for US and European clients.

Most of Tom’s assignment work is location portraiture, and he continues to work on personal projects. Three years ago he moved to the UK and is now based in London. He has been awarded an Alfred Eisenstaedt for Magazine Science Photo and a POY for Magazine Sports Story.

Photographer since 1985, EPUK member since 2001.

See more work by Tom Wagner