build a before + after system your team can run every day.
follow this 0 to 100% guide to set up gear, space, scripts, and file workflows so your practice captures pro-grade before-and-afters that wow patients and fuel every marketing touchpoint.
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entry · mid · premium
Switch tiers to see the exact parts list, setup steps, and workflows for the gear budget that matches your practice.
Entry tier guide
~$800 - $1,200
Here’s a clean, practical, entry-tier guide you can hand to any dental practice to get them taking consistent, high-quality before/after photos without overspending. This is built to be simple to implement, repeatable by the team, and aligned with what actually works inside real dental offices.
budget
~$800 - $1,200
goal
A repeatable photography workflow that produces clean, consistent before/after photos for marketing, case acceptance, and social media.
this guide includes
- Recommended entry-tier products
- Step-by-step setup instructions
- A full team workflow (who does what)
- A storage + naming structure
- A repeatable checklist for every case
1. Recommended entry products
Lighting (most important)
Dental LED Photography Fill Light
~$49.45
Shadow-free lighting with adjustable brightness. Works for extraoral and intraoral photos, lightweight and consistent enough that anyone can use it.
wholesale.azdentall.com- Place one or two lights in every capture corner.
- Set at head height, 2-3 feet from the patient.
Camera setup - Option 1
Smartphone + 120mm Macro Lens
$99.90
Use the practice’s existing iPhone or Android and add a clip-on macro lens. Fast for staff, no complicated settings, and incredible close-ups with proper lighting.
dentiphoto.com- Clips onto any smartphone.
- Great for intraoral shots.
- Keep lens off for full-face photos.
Camera setup - Option 2
Existing DSLR + Dental Accessories Bundle
$229.95
If a practice already owns a DSLR, pair it with a turnkey kit that covers retractors, mirrors, contrastors, LED attachments, and a carry case.
dentiphoto.com- Uses the body you already own.
- Adds every accessory needed for before/after sessions.
Room setup essentials
Simple environmental tweaks keep every session uniform without expensive build-outs. Neutral backdrops, floor markers, and optional ring lights go a long way.
- Neutral backdrop (white or gray) - ~$20 from Amazon or a clean wall.
- Floor position markers - two pieces of tape for patient + camera spots.
- Optional ring light stand ($30-$50) for softer diffused lighting.
2. Physical setup (5-10 minutes)
Step 1 — Choose the location
Pick a neutral wall with no backlighting and enough room for 5-6 feet of distance.
Step 2 — Install the backdrop
Hang a wrinkle-free white or gray fabric/vinyl backdrop about 5-6 feet wide.
Step 3 — Set up lighting
Place LED fill light at a 45° angle from the patient, head height, 2-3 feet away on medium brightness. Add a second light if you want zero shadows.
Step 4 — Mark the floor
Use tape for patient foot placement and a second marker for the team. Consistency is what makes the comparisons pop.
Step 5 — Prepare smartphone + lens
Attach the macro lens for intraoral shots, remove it for extraoral. Turn on grid lines, auto exposure, and capture at the highest resolution.
3. Team workflow
Captures all before photos during the new patient exam.
Captures all after photos during the final appointment.
Uploads images to the shared drive and flags the best cases.
Approves cases that can be used for marketing channels.
4. Photo protocol (use this every time)
Extraoral sequence (no macro lens)
- • Full face – neutral expression
- • Full face – big smile
- • Close-up smile
- • 45° left smile
- • 45° right smile
Patient stands on tape markers.
Camera stays on the fixed spot.
Shoulders relaxed, head straight.
Intraoral sequence (macro lens + retractors)
- • Retracted frontal
- • Left buccal
- • Right buccal
- • Upper arch occlusal
- • Lower arch occlusal
Hit teeth evenly with lighting.
Avoid fogging by having patients breathe through their nose.
Focus sharply on incisors.
After photos
- • Repeat every angle with identical lighting and positioning.
Consistency sells the transformation.
If same-day, let the patient rinse or refresh makeup before filming.
LastName_FirstName_Procedure_Date_BEFORE (and AFTER)
Storage structure:
- Google Drive / Dropbox / SharePoint > Case Library > procedure folders such as Veneers, Invisalign, Whitening, Implants, Crowns, Composite Bonding.
- Collect a one-time digital consent (PDF or Google Form) and store in the patient chart.
- Front desk tags the chart with "Marketing Photos Approved" so only cleared cases reach the Case Library.
5. Daily operation checklists
- Backdrop clean and wrinkle-free
- Lights on and set to the same brightness
- Phone lens cleaned
- Macro lens attached for intraoral shots
- Retraction tools sterilized
- Follow the photo sequence exactly
- Upload photos the same day
- Rename using the standard format
- File into the correct procedure folder
- Flag best before/after pairs for doctor review
- Doctor approves quarterly batch for marketing
- Sharp intraoral shots without investing in pro rigs.
- Consistent full-face and smile photos that look polished.
- A case library ready for websites, social, and treatment presentations.
- A workflow anyone on the team can follow confidently.
ready to deploy
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Drop your monthly highlight folder and we'll push it to websites, ads, local listings, consult decks, and content calendars.
let prism capture the office, team, and candid moments
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