The need for clear images of cutaneous conditions is more critical in dermatology than perhaps any other specialty.

A clinical image can mean the difference between a correct diagnosis and clinical error, especially in the age of teledermatology. But taking a good clear clinical image isn’t always straightforward, says Justin Finch, M.D., a dermatologic and cosmetic surgeon with the University of Connecticut Health Center in Farmington, Conn., where he serves as director of clinical photography in dermatology.

“In my practice I have 12 minutes to see a patient, render a diagnosis, take pictures, write a note and move on to the next patient. If photography is not quick and easy, I don’t do it, but you can still take quality photos,” he said.