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 fundamentals:
- 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;
- Light and reflection control.
Specialized photographic protocols
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 modeling of the face:
- 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:
- Head and body position;
- Work 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 shape, 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 purpose;
- Minimalism and detail;
- Contrast and form.
Techniques:
- Extreme macro;
- Isolating the object;
- Dramatic lighting;
- Black-and-white dental photography.
Ethics: boundaries of artistic interpretation in a medical context.
