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Clinical Photography Tips

A picture is worth a thousand words.
Not just another cliché

Patients want know that you can deliver results. What better way than display before and after pictures in the clinic and on your website?
The following guidelines are based on medical photography guidelines together with UltraShape’s experience. The guidelines can either be implemented in full, or may be amended according to individual requirements.
**It is taken for granted that the appropriate welcome and confirmation of the levels of consent have been observed and agreed, before any photography is undertaken.

PREPARATION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHY AREA

In general, try to keep all the elements the same.
  1. SAME distance
  2. SAME height
  3. SAME background
  4. SAME lighting
  5. SAME Zoom
  6. Camera position always parallel to the floor in a straight line (no tilt)
Using a tripod will help with #1, #2 and #3

Distance

The camera should be positioned at the same distance from the patient's standing position. The recommended distance between the patient and the camera plane should be 1.5 meters.

Height

The camera height should be adjusted to the mid vertical height of the treated area. Once determined, the height should be recorded and all following pictures should be photographed at the same height.

Lighting

Lighting should be adjusted to avoid distracting shadows. Having light sources on both sides of the subject will help avoid shadows on the face, as will a light source that illuminates the background behind the subject.
Therefore, four lights source should be used:
  • Two light sources on the background
  • Two light sources used to light the patient. The lights should be placed roughly at 45º to the patient and shone in a manner as to obtain the best result..

Background

The background should be consistent with departmental protocol. Grids and height scales should be used. If there is no such protocol, a black or blue background is recommended.
Avoid busy backdrops and ones that will reflect too much light.

PREPARATION OF THE PATIENT

General

  • Photographs of the treated area will be taken :before treatment and at each follow-up visit . It is important that the photograph will be taken prior to the marking of the treatment area.
  • A sticker indicating the subject's code, treatment session/follow-up visit and photography date will be placed near the subject before taking the pictures.

Patient positioning:

  • The patient should stand up straight either barefoot or with socks.
  • Patients hands shold be folded at chest height
  • All subjects (male and female) will wear paper slip underwear during the photography session. The front portion of the underwear must be below the treatment area.
  • Female patients should be given the option of wearing their bra.

Area of interest

To keep positioning consistent we recommend using a floor mat where we can keep track of the patient's angle. See diagram

In General, there are eight (8) positions for patient’s photographs.

1. Anterior view - The patient is facing the camera.

2. Right anterior oblique view - A 45 degree angle to the right
3. Right Lateral view - A profile picture from the right
4. Right posterior oblique view - The patient’s right backsides should face the camera at a 45-degree angle.
5. Posterior View - The patient’s back should face the camera.
6. Left posterior oblique view - The patient’s left backsides should face the camera at a 45-degree angle.
7. Left lateral view - A profile picture from the left
8. Left anterior oblique view - A 45 degree angle to the left

The following photos represent the possible positions

The number of photos to be taken depends on the area to be treated.

Abdomen / breast
  • Anterior view (1)
  • Right anterior oblique view (2)
  • Right Lateral view (3)
  • Left lateral view (7)
  • Left anterior oblique view (8)

Flanks / Thighs / Hips

  • Anterior view (1)
  • Right anterior oblique view (2)
  • Right Lateral view (3)
  • Right posterior oblique view (4)
  • Posterior View (5)
  • Left posterior oblique view (6)
  • Left lateral view (7)
  • Left anterior oblique view (8)

Banana / Trochanter / Buttocks

  • Right Lateral view (3)
  • Right posterior oblique view (4)
  • Posterior View (5)
  • Left posterior oblique view (6)
  • Left lateral view (7)

To keep positioning consistent we recommend using a floor mat where we can keep track of the patient's angle. See diagram.