Better dermatologic office photography: taking the photograph.

In a previous article we reviewed the questions every medical photographer must ask when looking through the viewfinder, as well as the difference between plastic surgical and dermatologic photography. We conclude by offering a mnemonic for the three views necessary in dermatologic photography: Location, Scan, and Detail, and by suggesting a technique for preadjusting the camera, lens setting, and flash that will guarantee consistent, high-quality clinical photos.

Better dermatologic office photography: getting started.

In an earlier paper, we defined a medical photograph as one that accurately maximizes clinical information while minimizing irrelevant data. This paper expands on this concept, providing specific hints to assist the practitioner in obtaining consistent high-quality clinical photos. We review the important question every medical photographer must ask when looking through the viewfinder as well as the difference between photography for practitioners of plastic surgery and dermatology.

Snapshots versus medical photographs: understanding the difference is your key to better dermatologic office photography.

A medical photograph in contradistinction to a snapshot accurately reproduces and maximizes clinically significant information while minimizing extraneous or irrelevant factors. Obtaining a top-notch medical photograph requires not only proper equipment but also rapid, sophisticated analysis of the clinical situation. Only then can major features including lesional size and distribution and more subtle details such as borders, color, and topography be selectively highlighted. First-rate medical photographs not only enhance the accuracy of diagnosis but also facilitate subsequent assessment of therapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, instruction of students and residents and continuing medical education of practicing clinicians depend on our photographic acumen.