Taking Hair Loss Photos
A good photo that reveals the true state of your hair loss is the basis of a virtual consultation. Virtual consultations depend on photos that shows your hair loss as it is. Hasson & Wong have an excellent track record of providing accurate assessments of patient hair loss and sound recommendations, using photos alone.
After your transplant, these guidelines may also be used if you are posting photos of your results on hair loss forums or your own hair loss blog.
Hair Loss Photo Guidelines
Use a digital camera
Do not use a web-cam or stills from a hand-held video camera. The
results are usually poor quality.
No flash vs. flashDo not use the flash accessory
Camera flash leaves a false impression of hair density
and growth, making hair appear far more dense than it actually is.
In the photo below, the picture on the right was taken with flash, and appears far more
dense the picture on the left of the same patient.
Use your bathroom as a photo studio!
It tends to work out better if you take your photos in your bathroom.
The environment is small, the lighting is usually adequate, and
you have a mirror in which to judge your angles.
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Light from the front and above
Avoid lighting from behind. Do not allow ambient light
to enter the room where you are taking your photographs. If you
are in your bathroom, or any room, close nearby blinds and/or curtains.
Ambient light will darken the overall look of your hair transplant.
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Place the camera on a steady support
Use a tripod if you have one or place the camera on a counter or
shelf to steady your shots. You can place your camera in one place
for all angles of the shot. Instead of turning the camera for a
new angle, turn yourself. Avoid holding the camera.
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Learn to use your camera's timer feature
Almost all cameras come with a timer delay feature of ten seconds.
Use this to get the most stable images. You do not want any blur
effects to ruin your shot. It will take several practice shots to
get proficient at using your camera's timer feature but it is worth
the effort.
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Be consistent
For those documenting their post-op hair growth, it is important
to use consistent angles and lighting. This helps to truly see the
progress. Suggested angles are: 90 degrees left and right, 45 degrees
left and right, face forward, face slightly turned downward to show
hairline, chin to chest to see overhead view, direct view of the
back of your head to show the donor area, back of your head while
looking slightly up to show your crown area. Remember, you don't
need to move the camera for these shots. Move yourself.
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Use macro zoom feature for close-ups
When taking close up shots of your hairline or any other particular
area of interest make sure to turn on your macro feature on your
digital camera. This should be used when taking photos from less
than 1 1/2 to 2 feet away. If you don't know how to enable this
feature then look in the manual. If you don't have your manual anymore
then you can most likely download a new one from the manufacturer's
web site.
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Review your photos
When you are finished taking your photos you need to review them
for accuracy. Are the photos clear? Are they consistent with previous
photos? Do they give an accurate representation of what your hair
really looks like?
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