Suggestions for the Improvement of Illustrations

Abstract

IT goes without saying that a photograph used to illustrate a scientific article or textbook must show clearly the desired features of the subject or there is no point in reproducing it. Unfortunately, however, medical photographic illustrations are sometimes remiss in this respect. The causes for this failure are various; sometimes they can be attributed to the photographer and sometimes to the author, while on other occasions the photo-engraver or the publisher is to blame. Our present purpose is to discuss the responsibility of the photographer in producing effective photographs for medical illustration. We shall approach this from two aspects, the esthetic and technical. Esthetic Matters.—Photography of medical subjects is a relatively simple procedure so far as the mechanical operations are concerned. Procedures for the situations most frequently encountered have been described. By following these instructions almost anyone can take suitable apparatus and produce negatives that are correctly exposed and developed and show the details of the subject sharply in focus. Then, with a little practice, he can produce prints of good technical quality. It does not follow, however, that the pictures thus produced will be satisfactory as illustrations for articles or textbooks. More than technical perfection is needed to make an effective medical illustration. Artistry is as essential in photographing a medical subject as in painting a portrait. Planning the Picture.—Good medical photographs require forethought and planning and demand close co-operation between the physician for whom the picture is being made and the photographer. Before the actual photographic operations begin, the photographer should acquaint himself with the characteristics of the subject and the purpose for which the pictures are being made. He should ascertain definitely just what aspects of the pathologic condition are to be recorded. Will a view be required to show the anatomical location and extent of the area involved? Should a close-up be made to show details of the lesion? If so, is the distinguishing feature a color difference or surface texture? Is the present picture to be followed by others showing progressive changes? If the subject is a pathologic specimen, it is important to know how it was oriented in the body and what anatomical features are to be emphasized. This information is essential in order to answer the first question which arises in planning the photographic study—How many views will be required and at what scale will they be made? When deciding this point, both the photographer and the physician should have a clear idea of the requirements and limitations of the various ways in which photographs may be displayed or utilized. As an example, let us consider a patient suffering from ulcerating cancer of the breast.