The article reveals the communicative possibilities of photography as a tool for popularizing science in the context of mediatization of science. The initial problem is the gap between the growth of the real significance of science and the level of knowledge and trust in science among the mass audience. The purpose of the article is to show the role of the art of photography as a means of popularizing science in the media environment by forming a positive image of science among the mass audience. The theoretical basis of the study is the works of domestic authors on the problems of the relationship between mass media and science, the empirical basis is the materials of electronic resources on scientific topics. Modern media provide a visual presentation of scientific knowledge. Photography is an important means of metaphorical visualization. Photographic art is able to compactly represent scientific content, is distinguished by a high level of emotional impact on the audience and ease of reading information. Digital technologies using photography create a visual narrative with a multi-layered semantic structure. The role of photography is considered: firstly, in the context of an accessible "translation" of scientific knowledge into popular language; secondly, in connection with solving the problem of trust in science; thirdly, in connection with the formation of a positive myth about science, relevant in light of overcoming postmodernist ideas. The article may be of interest to researchers of means of popularizing science, creators of popular science content in the media, theorists and practitioners of photography.