Camera and lens selection for the facial plastic surgeon.

Clinical photography is a critical component of the practice of facial plastic surgery. Potential for a wide variety of applications for these photographs, such as medicolegal documentation, patient counseling, teaching of colleagues and physicians in training, and lecture presentations. Photographs are important to facilitate understanding of surgical techniques described in the literature. Clinical photographs are also used for advertising in many practices. Good-quality photographs are therefore important. There are several factors that contribute to quality, such as the appropriate setting and background, standardization of subject position, and the type of flash. However, none of these factors can be effective without a good camera and lens. A multitude of cameras and lenses are available, and choosing the correct equipment for your practice can be confusing. In many practices, the surgeon also functions as his or her own photographer. At a minimum, it is important to have a basic knowledge of camera and lens equipment.