Dental photography - from clinical documentation to professional visual content

Theoretical part

Introduction to dental photography:

• The role of photography in modern dental medicine;
• Clinical documentation, diagnosis and follow-up;
• Communication with the patient and the dental laboratory;
• Photography as an educational and marketing tool.

Camera equipment and technical basics:

• DSLR and mirrorless systems – selection and rationale;
• Lenses for dental photography (macro, portrait);
• Flashes – ring flash and twin flash;
• Key parameters: ISO; Aperture; Shutter speed; White balance;
• Working in Manual mode;
• Most common technical errors.

Accessories and work in the oral cavity:

• Dental mirrors – types and application;
• Retractors – selection and correct positioning;
• Anti-fog techniques;
• Light modifiers;
• Patient preparation;
• Operator position and ergonomics.

Standardized photographic protocols:

• Distant extraoral shots: portrait; smile; profile;
• Close extraoral shots:
• Intraoral shots: frontal; lateral; occlusal;
• Angle, distance and centering;
• Control of light and reflections.

Specialized photographic protocols

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Practical part (Hands-on)

Clinical photography:

• Working with cameras and accessories;
• Shooting according to a standardized protocol;
• Capturing specialized shots;
• Individual corrections by the instructor;
• Analysis of the captured images in real time.

Theoretical part

Studio environment and light control:

• Principles of studio photography;
• Continuous light and flash – differences and application;
• Light modifiers: softbox; stripbox; beauty dish; reflectors and flags;
• Working with background: white; black; textured;
• Control of shadows, contrast and depth.

Portrait photography – styles, technique and execution:

• The portrait as a visual image in professional and medical settings;
• Difference between documentary, studio and artistic portrait.

Styles:

• Clean / High-key;
• Low-key and dramatic;
• Classic studio portrait;
• Environmental portrait;
• Minimalist portrait.

Light and facial modeling:

• Lighting schemes: Rembrandt; Loop; Split; Butterfly;
• Position of key and fill light;
• Control of shadows and volume.

Technical execution:

• Lenses: 85 mm; 105 mm; 135 mm;
• Aperture and depth of field;
• Focus and sharpness – eyes and texture;
• Color temperature and skin tones.

Posing and expression:

• Position of head and body;
• Working with gaze and facial expression;
• Directing the model for a natural result.

Product photography in dental medicine:

• Principles of product photography;

Objects:

• Dental instruments;
• Materials and consumables;
• Models, teeth and prosthetic constructions.

Light and composition:

• Control of reflections and glare;
• Working with small light sources;
• Background and contrast;
• Emphasizing form, texture and detail.

Technical aspects:

• Macro lenses;
• Aperture and depth of field;
• Tripod and stability;
• Focus control for small objects.

Art dental photography:

• Difference between clinical and art dental photography;

Approach:

• Concept and visual goal;
• Minimalism and detail;
• Contrast and form.

Techniques:

• Extreme macro;
• Isolating the object;
• Dramatic light;
• Black-and-white dental photography.

Ethics:

• Boundaries of artistic interpretation in a medical context;

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Practical part (Advanced Hands-on)

Studio practice:

• Building lighting schemes;
• Working with modifiers and background;
• Control of the atmosphere.

Portrait photography:

• Shooting in different styles;
• Working with a model;
• Corrections and guidance in real time.

Product and art dental photography:

• Shooting dental objects;
• Working with macro and control of detail;
• Creating original art shots.

Analysis and professional feedback:

• Review of the captured images;
• Analysis of light, composition and technique;
• Individual guidance for development;