Is it permissible for a Muslim to prepare and create images of animate beings for printing and publication if his work is limited to that and he cannot change the nature of the work or the class he is assigned to?

The issue of photography is a matter of scholarly disagreement, and the preponderant opinion on our website is that it is impermissible. However, if there is a need for it, such as for studies that require editing images and preparing them for printing, then it is permissible due to necessity. This is similar to what Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen ruled regarding drawing animate beings out of necessity, with the sin falling upon the one who commanded it. As for photographing forbidden images, such as those of improperly dressed women or private parts, this is prohibited without any disagreement.