Photography is an essential part of everything we do in esthetic dentistry. When I first started out, I made it a priority to practice photo series on every single patient who walked through my doors.
My goal was to master key shots—1:10 headshots, 1:2 smile photos, and 1:1 close-ups—to ensure consistency and precision in my documentation.
While there are countless types of dental photographs, repetition at these specific magnifications builds confidence and guarantees uniformity across your clinical images.
My recommendation?
Print out this 12-clinical-photo series and establish clear parameters with your team. This ensures that anyone taking the photos follows the same standardized approach.
For example, if you prefer 1:10 headshots to be vertical, set clear guidelines:
The photo should be vertical.
There should be 1–2 inches above the patient’s head
The frame should extend to at least the clavicle bone.
If you prefer horizontal headshots, make sure they’re not cutting off the forehead or chin. Similarly, for 1:2 smile shots, decide whether they should be captured from commissure to commissure with a neutral head position.
By mastering these shots, you can develop a customized clinical photo series tailored to your practice and ensure your entire team is trained to capture photos with consistency and excellence.