Real Photographic Prints from Digital Images

BACKGROUND: Digital photography is emerging as a standard method of documenting preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative results in the clinical setting. While hard copies of these electronic images can be quickly and easily generated on color laser or inkjet printers, there are times when it is necessary to generate a true photographic print of an image, either for insurance documentation or to meet the publication requirements of a peer-reviewed journal. Standard inkjet and laser printers are unable to generate true photographic prints. OBJECTIVE: To identify a rapid, cost-effective means of generating high-quality photographs of digital images. METHODS: We describe the use of on-line service bureaus with digital photographic printers to obtain high-quality photographic prints of patient images. RESULTS: From as little as 49 cents per print, a color or black-and-white print of a color image can be generated by an on-line service bureau to satisfy the need for a photographic quality hard copy. CONCLUSIONS: While color laser or inkjet printers allow physicians to generate their own hard copies of electronic patient images, photographic quality images are at times needed to satisfy requirements for insurance documentation or publication in peer-reviewed journals. Use of on-line service bureaus is the most cost-effective way that we have found to obtain high-quality photographic color or black-and-white prints from electronically stored patient images.