Guidance for Clinical Photography

1. General Principles

• Use a digital camera or smartphone with good resolution. Ensure the lens is clean.

• Obtain informed patient consent before taking photos.

• De-identify images (do not include faces unless clinically necessary).

• Ensure the patient is comfortable and positioned appropriately.

2. Lighting

• Use natural daylight where possible (near a window, but avoid direct sunlight). If using indoor lighting, ensure the area is well-lit and avoid shadows.

• Do not use the flash unless needed – it can cause glare on the skin.

• Avoid strong colour casts (e.g. from theatre lights or tinted lamps).

3. Number and Type of Photographs

Provide at least 3 photos per lesion/area:

1. Establishing Shot (context image) – Shows the lesion/rash in relation to the whole body part (e.g., full arm, face, or torso).

2. Regional Shot (medium distance) – Closer image showing the lesion/rash and surrounding skin.

3. Close-up (detail image) – Taken as close as possible while still in focus, showing detail of colour, border, and surface features.

4. Optional: Dermatoscope image if available (these are not essential for rashes); additional angles for raised or irregular lesions.

4. Technical Tips

• Hold the camera steady and focus on the lesion.

• Use the macro mode (flower symbol) or tap-to-focus on smartphones for close-ups.

• Take photos perpendicular to the skin (not at an angle unless doing so to indicated a raised lesion).

• Place a scale marker (ruler or coin) next to the lesion for size reference, but avoid covering the lesion/rash.

• If photographing multiple areas, label them clearly (e.g., “left forearm”, “back of shoulder”).

• If images are historical please label with date.

5. File Handling

• Save images in JPEG format.

• Do not alter, crop, or filter the images.

• Upload securely with the referral via SR referrals.