Taking Medical Photographs

Before taking the photo:

• If appropriate, ask a partner or family member to help. It will be easier if someone can take the photo for you.
• Take the photo in a well-lit area and do not use the flash on your camera/phone.
• Limit the distractions in the background – it would be best to take photos with a plain background
• Try and take the photo whilst holding still or rest the device on a steady surface so the image is clear.

Taking the photo:

A selection of photographs should be taken to capture the condition appropriately.

• An orientation photo – should be taken at a reasonable distance so that the condition can be seen in context to the rest of the body. Please do not include your face in photos unless the area of concern is in this area.
• A close-up photo – Take the photo closer to the problem but ensure it’s still in focus or it will have little clinical value. Make sure the size of the problem is clear either by putting a coin or ruler in the photo next to the condition.
• Take photos from different perspectives – It may be helpful for clinicians to see views from the front and the side (especially for a raised lesion).

Take multiple photos but only send a few (minimum 2-3). Ensure the photos are clear and represents how the condition looks in real life. Send photos that include all phototypes above (where appropriate). This should provide a better understanding of the problem for the health professional.

Please see the NHS guide for patients taking photos of skin conditions for further support.

By sending in photos, unless otherwise stated, you are agreeing to the photos being saved to your records and to the photo being sent on to other healthcare professionals when appropriate. Your clinical photographs and video recordings are stored on secure databases or systems. To maintain confidentiality, these secure databases or systems can only be accessed by authorised healthcare professionals. Please note that, despite every effort, no communication system can guarantee complete security and there is a small possibility that images could be intercepted by a third party.