Useful tips on how to take photos of your skin

Before taking a photo:

Have a mirror nearby – If no one is available to help you, a mirror can be quite useful. The reflection will allow you to see the front of your camera. You can check your focus and framing before taking a photo.

Plan ahead – Taking photos straight after using creams can affect how your skin looks. Take your photos before applying creams if possible.

Ask for help – It can be difficult to take clear photos of your own skin, especially in hard-to-reach areas. If possible, ask a friend or family member to take the photos for you.

Find good lighting – Natural daylight is best, but avoid direct sunlight as it can cause glare. Taking photos near a window often works well. If possible, use a white pillow as a background.

When taking a photo:

Use the back camera – The back camera usually takes better-quality photos than the front (selfie) camera.

Clean the lens(es) – Before taking photos, wipe the lens with a soft cloth to remove any smudges, fingerprints or dust. This will help to improve the image quality.

Hold the camera flat – Keep the camera directly above the area you are photographing, rather than at an angle.

Take a wide shot first – Taking a photo of the wider area of the body before any close-ups helps you to remember where the patch is on your body. This makes it easier to match the photos correctly when uploading them.

Focus the camera – Tap the screen on the area of your skin you want to focus on. Wait a moment and the camera will autofocus the lens.

Adjust brightness/exposure – If the image looks too dark or too bright, use the phone’s brightness adjustment (often a sun icon next to the focus box) to get a clear, natural-looking photo.

Only include one area – Make sure that other areas of skin are not included in the photo. For example, including an arm when taking a photo of the cheek. If holding a child, try to keep your own skin out of the picture too. If this isn’t possible, wearing gloves can help cover your hand.

Take multiple photos if needed – If the affected area is large or wraps around part of the body, you can take several photos to show it.