Medical Photography - Information for patients

Medical Photography specialises in the documentation of various medical conditions to help clinicians plan and monitor your treatment. 

The practice requires a high level of technical skill to present the photograph free from misleading information that may cause misinterpretation. 

The photographs are used in clinical documentation, medical records, research, publication in scientific journals and teaching. 

What is the purpose of photography?

Your doctor has referred you for clinical photography so that a record of your current condition can be made. This helps the doctor to monitor your progress, and is especially helpful if the appearance of your condition changes before your next appointment with the doctor. 

How long does it take?

The photography session will take less than 15 minutes, but occasionally, if a large number of photographs are to be taken, it may take longer. Your photographer will tell you the approximate time frame. Our photographers recognise that being photographed could make you feel uncomfortable or embarrassed, and will do everything they can to complete their work in the shortest time possible.

What happens in the studio?

The photographer will explain what photographs need to be taken and how they will be done. You may need to remove some items of clothing, jewellery and possibly make-up that is on the area of the body which is to be photographed. A digital camera and flash lighting will be used to take the photographs. The lighting is bright, but is completely harmless. The process does not involve x-rays.

Do I have to have it done?

No, you can refuse to be photographed, but remember that you’ve only been asked to undergo this process because your doctor believes that the photographs will be of benefit in the monitoring of your condition.

The photographers

There are male and female photographers on duty most of the time. If it is necessary for you to take off any of your clothing, we will endeavour to provide a photographer of the same sex as you.

Our photographers are all registered and accredited by the Academy for Healthcare Science (ACHS).

How are the photographs used?

They will become part of your confidential medical record and your doctors will be able to view the photographs via the hospital’s electronic patient record system. You may be asked to give consent for the photographs to be used in medical teaching, but you’re free to refuse: please ensure that you make it clear to the photographer if you wish the photographs to be used only in your records. Occasionally, the doctors may ask you to allow the photos to be published for example in a medical textbook or website. In this case you will be given precise details of where the photos will appear. Again, you’re free to refuse.

Different types of photography that we do

Dermoscopic photography, Intra/Extra-oral, Photographic clinical trials, Teledermatology Rapid Access Clinic, Pre and Post-operative, Medico-legal photography, Non-Accidental photography

Requesting copies of your clinical photographs

We are able to provide you with copies of the clinical photographs taken of you or another person for whom you are responsible.

The photographs will be sent to you securely by email within 10 working days. To ensure security, you will be given a password which you will need to enter on your computer when opening the file. The PDF file is of high resolution and can be used to make A4 prints.

Please note there is no charge for this service.

If you wish to order copies of your photographs at a later date, please ensure you visit the photography department with your ID.

Contact us:

Medical Photography Department
Lower Ground Floor, Lift D

Hours: 9:30am–4:30pm

T: 020 3315 8262
E: medphoto.chelwest@nhs.net