Objective: The photographic conditions encountered in wound imaging are compared and contrasted to those of typical consumer photography. It will be shown how the photographic conditions unique to wound imaging influence the selection and use of digital-still cameras for this specific application. This knowledge can assist clinicians in selecting cameras and image-storage devices appropriate for wound imaging, as well as enable them to use a digital camera successfully in the delivery of care to patients. Other factors also will be discussed which, while to not relevant to consumer photography, have a profound impact on a successful wound photography program.

Outcomes: The variability in lighting conditions likely to be encountered by the clinician is considered and strategies for managing this variability are discussed. The impact of subject distance on the selection of camera equipment and settings will be examined, and guidance will be provided to enable the clinician to more consistently obtain high-quality wound photographs. It will also be shown how the trade off between ease-of-use and versatility becomes a primary issue related to the number of clinicians in a program. Factors impacting a wound photography program's digital image storage requirements and related costs also will be examined. These factors include the different wound types photographed and the intended use of the captured images, and how these impact image resolution and data compression requirements. Finally, factors not typically considered in consumer photography will be reviewed. These include patient privacy requirements, patient cross-contamination risks, and the importance of consistent patient positioning when capturing wound images.