~ 181 ~ International Journal of Applied Dental Sciences 2021; 7(4): 181-186 ISSN Print: 2394-7489 ISSN Online: 2394-7497 IJADS 2021; 7(4): 181-186 © 2021 IJADS www.oraljournal.com Received: 25-08-2021 Accepted: 27-09-2021 Dr. NItin VM Reader, Department of Orthodontics, JSS Dental College and Hospital, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore, Karnataka, India Dr. Priyanka Nitin Reader, Department of Oral Pathology, JSS Dental College and Hospital, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore, Karnataka, India Dr. Vishal Kudagi Lecturer, Department of Orthodontics, JSS Dental College and Hospital, JSS academy of higher education and research. Mysore, Karnataka, India Dr. Shruti Shivakumar Lecturer, Department of Pedodontics, JSS Dental College and Hospital, SS Academy of Higher Education and Research. Mysore, Karnataka, India Corresponding Author: Dr. NItin V M Reader, Department of Orthodontics, JSS Dental College and Hospital, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore, Karnataka, India An insight into digital photography in dentistry: Basics on digital photography Dr. NItin VM, Dr. Priyanka Nitin, Dr. Vishal Kudagi and Dr. Shruti Shivakumar DOI: https://doi.org/10.22271/oral.2021.v7.i4c.1371 Abstract Photography is one of the most important aspect of clinical practice and as well as academics. A well- documented case helps the clinician in diagnosis and treatment planning, patient communication, to evaluate the treatment progress, for academic purposes in publishing the case and in case of any form of litigation, photographs serve as an invaluable tool. The first part of the series details about the basics on photography followed by detailed camera settings required for different clinical situations. Keywords: digital photography, dental photography Introduction Ever since the caveman began drawing on walls, it has been widely acknowledged that "a picture is worth a thousand words." Photography is undoubtedly one of the most important inventions in history, it has truly transformed how people perceive the world. Photography lets us capture moments in time and preserve them for years to come. Photography is a universal means of communication and an invaluable tool in many fields. From family snapshots to pictures taken from aircrafts, photographs record the people and the things we see, as well as many subjects beyond our range of vision. In skilful hands, a camera can transform an ordinary scene into an image of exceptional beauty (fig1). The term Photography laterally means photo=light and graphy=draw/painting, that translates as painting with light. The term photography was coined by Sir John Herschel Photography now has become a part of our daily life. Nowadays, photography is touching almost every aspect of human life, be it scientific literature, art work, travel entertainment or for forensic/police documentation and so on. With reference to medicine and dentistry photography plays a pivotal role not only in academics but also in clinical practice. In clinical practice, photography play many important roles. Firstly it allows for documentation of the patient’s condition and compare it with the post treatment results. Thus it helps in documenting the progress of the treatment which also will serve as a showcase for other future patients [1] . Photography serves as a strong tool for doctor-patient communication and also between the professionals. Documented cases are a must for postgraduate exams also. It also helps in being used as an effective marketing tool. Photographs play a pivotal role in aiding the forensic experts in solving the identity of the deceased persons [2] . Brief History Arabian physicist and mathematician Ibn al-Haitham gave the first clear description of the device in the 10th century. However, Giambattista della Porta is said to have perfected the pinhole camera, which he called an optic chamber, in the 16th century. The invention was so confusing and radical to medieval society that he was arrested and charged with sorcery. The first ever camera was the ‘Camera Obscure’ (fig2), huge box with a tiny opening on one side & on the opposite side, light formed an inverted image. Technology has changed over time, but purpose still remains the same.