In the aesthetic industry, a single picture can speak 1000 words.  What is a better way to showcase your skills, knowledge, and expertise of the industry and Cutera's applications than with your own personal patient portfolio?

Cutera wants to help you with tips and guidelines to take better patient before and after photos.  So, whether you have questions about lighting, backgrounds or camera techniques to show off vascular treatments, skin rejuvenation or any aesthetic procedure, please post your questions and comments on this blog.

• Dedicated space

If possible, a separate room used for photography is preferred.  Alternatively, the photo prep should be consistent.

 

• Background drape

Black is preferred to convey optimal true colors and skin tone.

 

• Lighting         

Should use the same amount of light as the pre-op photo.  The angle of the light should point in the same direction each time.

 

A different color background drape was used in each photo. Note how different colors affect skin tone.

 

 

 

• Distance

Distance can generally be controlled by paying close attention to the content of the viewfinder. Be consistent! The size of the image (and positioning) should be the same each time. 

Pre-op photo should be available and used at each visit for comparison. Exact positioning and view should be repeated.

 

 

Consistency is KEY to taking credible and effective before and after photos. The following are some tips that can help you obtain the best quality photos.

Equipment

• Digital or 35mm?

Type of camera is far less important than consistency. It is not necessary to have an expensive camera to produce good photos.  

• Film

A fine grade film, such as ASA 100, produces better resolution, but it is more important to always use the same brand and grade of film. Purchase film in bricks or boxes to get comparable color and general look.  

• Optical Zoom

“Optical” zoom allows you to zoom in for close pictures without losing resolution. Use of “digital” zoom is not as good because it reduces resolution.  

• Macro Mode

Allows you to focus at short distances from the camera.  

It’s important to keep close-up shots in focus.  

• White Balance

Adjusts for the “color” of the light.  

Some cameras have preset choices (such as fluorescent, incandescent etc).  

It is best to also have manual white balance that allows you to correct for your exact lighting.  

Auto-focus and Manual-focus Modes  

• Built-In Flash

In many situations, the results are better without a flash as too much light can wash out some features and shadows.  

Good before and after photographs are important because they can be your most powerful marketing and educational tool in your practice. Some important uses for before and after photos include:

• Documenting baseline condition--including the prescribed, agreed-upon treatment area, condition of the skin prior to treatment and existing scars or blemishes
• Documenting the improvements in the patient’s appearance--patients tend to forget what they looked like before the procedure. Patients may complain that there are no improvements. Subtle changes are often difficult to notice with day to day observation.
• Before and After photo book--this is a valuable tool for patients considering treatment. Patients can browse through pictures while waiting in the reception area for their appointment.
• Presentations and patient education events
• Promotional materials for your office

Before and After Photos

These are a valuable tool for effectively conveying what a procedure can do—and what it can’t.  This is helpful, not only for informing patients seriously considering a procedure, but also for raising awareness in patients who would otherwise be reading People Magazine in the reception area. 

Cutera-supplied photographs can be used in bound binders in your treatment rooms and reception area.  They can also be used in community presentations and media outreach activities. Cutera provides a Photo Book with each new system sale; the photos therein are also downloadable from the VIP section of the Cutera website.

The value of taking your own before and after photographs far outweighs the effort.  With individual patients, it is helpful to document their baseline status so that you have it as a reference point later should they forget where they started. The impression is much more powerful when paired with a well-matched after photograph. You can also develop your own photo library to use for educational purposes inside and outside of your practice.  In this event, however, be sure to gain the proper patient consent for use and to mask the identity of the subject in the photographs by either cropping closely or blocking out identifying features, such as the eyes.