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Simplified Case History Photo Procedures (January 2007)

These procedures are intended to assist a photographer with little or no experience take good case history photos.

The camera:

1. Use the best digital camera available to you with a recommended minimum resolution of 8 mega pixels.
2. Make sure that the camera is ready for use.  If you are not familiar with the camera then have someone who is familiar assist you.  Refer to the camera’s instruction manual as required:
   1. Batteries are charged and correctly installed
   2. The memory card is empty or at least has enough space for the pictures you need to take.  It is correctly installed.
   3. The camera is set for taking the highest quality picture.  This is very important so get help if you need it:

      1. Set the camera to its maximum number of pixels. 

      2. Set the camera for its highest quality output (minimum compression.) 

4. Set the camera for Auto (automatic) operation.
3. Know how to:
   1. Turn the camera on and off.
   2. Look at the child in the view finder or on the camera’s LCD screen in order to correctly position the child in the picture.
   3. Use the zoom feature.
   4. Cause the camera to make its automatic settings (usually by pressing the shutter button down half way) and recognize the camera’s indication that these settings have been made (usually by the illumination of colored lights or an indication on the display screen).
   5. Take the picture.  This usually is done by pressing the shutter button down completely.

Select a location:

1. Not in direct sun. On the shady side of a building when the sun is not high usually works well.
2. The simplest background for the photo is the side of the building that is providing the shade.  Other possibilities are trees or bushes that are also completely shaded by the building.  Nothing in the photo should be in the direct sun.

Taking the picture:

1. The child should be standing, facing the camera, in a natural pose.  There should be no other people in the picture.
2. Hold the camera “on end” so that the picture is taller than it is wide.
3. The picture is of the entire child.  Position the child in the picture so that his feet are very near but not touching the bottom and that the space between the top of his head and the top of the photo is the same or a little more than the size of his head.  From side to side the child should be centered.
4. Press the shutter button down half way to cause the camera to make its automatic settings.  After the camera indicates that the automatic settings have been made, press the shutter button down the rest of the way to take the picture.
5. Review the photo on the camera’s screen.  Retake the photo if it has any problems at all.
6. If you are photographing more than one child, keep careful track of which child is in each photo, matching the child number/name with the camera number of the photo.

After you take the photos:

1. Follow the instructions specific to your country