I suppose any optimistic person with a positive outlook on life can come to consider their line of employment as a stroke of luck rather than a divine punishment. I often think this way, and, moreover, consider dermatology one of the best specialties to which a doctor can dedicate his or her time. Firstly, because it is one of the most versatile, having both medical and surgical aspects, while also allowing flirtation with pathology, microbiology, internal medicine, psychiatry, and even research, if so desired. But it is also a specialty which offers opportunities for advancement toward a special understanding of art and literature; something I believe is demonstrated by this section of Actas DermoSifiliograficas. Film and photography, amongst other genres, now rank— with full rights and on the basis of their own merits— alongside the classic fine arts of painting, sculpture, architecture, music, dance, and recital. Those of us who consider photography both a visual record of reality and an art form can approach the subject in 2 ways. As with a painting, a sculpture, or an opera, if our knowledge of the subject in question is limited, we can at least say whether or not we like it, which is something in itself. But if we have greater knowledge, our approach can be more intellectual, and we can gain greater enjoyment. As dermatologists, we use photography to collect clinical images of our patients to different ends, 1 and the use of these pictures is just as important as any clinical history or other complementary studies. Hence, I feel it is essential for dermatologists to know how to take good medical photographs of their patients. My interest in photography was born of my perceived need to study the subject in order to complete my training as a dermatologist. The knowledge I have acquired as a result has allowed me to approach photography in a more intelligent manner and, I think, given me a greater capacity to enjoy it. For years, this has led me to visit every photography exhibition I have come across along the way. In 2002 the Fundacio la Caixa in Barcelona and Madrid showed a series of photographs entitled In the American West, 1979-1984. It was also possible to see these photographs in Granada in an exhibition organized by the local authorities. 3