Senior Medical Photographer

Job overview

The post holder will provide a comprehensive medical photography service to support the Dermatology Department at Beckenham Beacon. Working independently and without direct supervision, they will manage the day-to-day operation of the teledermatology service and produce high-quality clinical images in line with professional and Trust standards.

The role involves a wide range of clinical photographic work, including close-up imaging of wounds, skin lesions, and other medical conditions. The post holder will demonstrate strong technical expertise, producing accurate and consistent images used for diagnosis, monitoring treatment outcomes, skin cancer management, teaching, audit, and legal purposes.

The post holder will work directly with patients, treating all individuals with sensitivity, empathy, and professionalism. They must be comfortable working in clinical environments and photographing potentially distressing conditions while maintaining patient dignity at all times. A sound understanding of medical conditions and human anatomy is required.

They will ensure patients are fully informed and appropriately consented prior to photography and will be responsible for the secure storage, monitoring, and controlled access to images in accordance with Trust confidentiality policies. The post will be based primarily at Beckenham Beacon, with occasional requirements to work at Princess Royal University Hospital and other Trust sites.

Main duties of the job

• The post holder will undertake a range of clinical photography activities, including the day-to-day delivery of the teledermatology service and the photography of patients’ clinical conditions.
• To be responsible for the development and the day to day running of the photography service.
• Use a variety of photographic equipment and determine how best to utilise to achieve the best image.
• To be able to take high quality images in a studio or ward setting and to determine how best to position the patient and effectively communicate this; ensuring sensitivity to the patient’s needs.
• To inform patient of what will happen during the photographic process.
• Have a basic knowledge of medical conditions and terminology in order to determine the appropriate medium and techniques to record a medical condition from detail of that condition provided by doctors i.e. what views are required for ‘dermatological mapping’.
• Know the anatomical planes dividing the human body, which allow for the accurate recording of the extent of deformities and consistency of follow-up photography.
• Be sensitive and empathetic to the emotional and psychological effect of the patient’s condition and/or situation.
• Be able to cope with taking photographs of all medical conditions and wounds under pressure.
• Assist with the day-to-day running of  services within the department  in particular, teledermatology.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• The post holder will undertake a range of clinical photography activities, including the day-to-day delivery of the teledermatology service and the photography of patients’ clinical conditions. These images will form part of the confidential medical record and may be required for case reports, medical evidence (including court proceedings), or teaching purposes.
• To be responsible for the development and the day to day running of the photography service.
• Use a variety of photographic equipment and determine how best to utilise to achieve the best image. This will include for example determining which lens to use, the focal length and exposure to document a full body mole map for Dermatology patients.
• To be able to take high quality images in a studio or ward setting and to determine how best to position the patient and effectively communicate this; ensuring sensitivity to the patient’s needs.
• To inform patient of what will happen during the photographic process.
• Have a basic knowledge of medical conditions and terminology in order to determine the appropriate medium and techniques to record a medical condition from detail of that condition provided by doctors i.e. what views are required for ‘dermatological mapping’.
• Know the anatomical planes dividing the human body, which allow for the accurate recording of the extent of deformities and consistency of follow-up photography.
• Be sensitive and empathetic to the emotional and psychological effect of the patient’s condition and/or situation i.e. having photographs taken of intimate areas of the body.
• Be able to cope with taking photographs of all medical conditions and wounds under pressure.
• Deal with clients’ photographic enquiries on services offered and advice on the pathway and turnaround times, and direct to the Service Manager where necessary.
• To observe the requirements of each individual item of work with regard to quality, quantity and date required to ensure the timely completion of the work.
• To ensure that the patient fully understands the purpose of the consent form and to check that this has been given according to the documentation received. Where documentation is incomplete, to investigate and withhold release of the images until this has been rectified.
• Use specialist knowledge to resolve conflicting requirements for images and advise on appropriate use of IT systems to enhance images.
• Responsible for the transfer of images to the digital archive management system and to determine whether manipulation is required to make image clearer.
• Assist with the day-to-day running of new services within the department which require medical photography, in particular, teledermatology. This may include helping to set up new teledermatology services, possibly in community-based hubs, working alongside other relevant stakeholders in the process.