How to Take Photos for the Eczema Visual Guide

Thanks for your interest in submitting your eczema images to the Eczema Visual Guide. Here are instructions on how to take high-quality photos of your skin. Following these tips will help National Eczema Association (NEA) staff and medical reviewers quickly review, catalog and assess your photos for inclusion in the guide.

1. Prep your skin for photos

Clean the area: Make sure your skin is clean and free of makeup. If you’re photographing your hands/feet, remove nail polish. Use a gentle cleanser and cool water to avoid irritation.

2. Find a good spot to take photos

Background: Use a plain, solid-colored background. A plain wall or a solid-colored sheet works great.

Lighting: Natural light is best. If you use a lamp, make sure it shines directly on the area you’re photographing without creating shadows.

3. Adjust your camera settings

Resolution: If you’re using a phone, check your phone’s camera settings to ensure your camera is set to the highest resolution.

Compression: Disable any compression settings on your camera to maintain the highest image quality.

iPhone settings:

  • Go to Settings > Camera > Formats and select “Most Compatible” to avoid HEIC (High Efficiency Image) format if not needed.
  • Ensure HDR (High Dynamic Range) is turned on for better quality.

Android settings:

  • Open the Camera app, go to Settings (gear icon), and set the resolution to the highest available.
  • Turn off any compression settings.
  • Enable HDR mode if available for better image quality.

4. Take clear photos from various angles

Take photo from 3 different angles:

  • Far away: Take one picture from about 4 feet away to show where the issue is on your body.
  • Closer: Take another picture from about 2 feet away for a better look at the area.
  • Close-up: Take a close-up picture from about 1 foot away to show details.

Focus: If you’re using your phone, tap the screen to focus on the area you’re photographing. Make sure the pictures aren’t blurry.

Keep it straight: Hold the camera straight and level with the area you’re photographing. Don’t tilt the camera.

5. Review your photos

Check your photos: Look at the pictures to make sure they’re clear and show the affected area. If any are blurry, take them again.

6. Submit your images

Complete the submission form: Fill out the submission form with your contact information, details about your eczema and give your consent for image use.

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