Methods and systems for generating a simulated anatomical photograph based on a medical image generated by an imaging modality. One method includes receiving, with an electronic processor, the medical image, anatomically segmenting the medical image, with the electronic processor, to determine a plurality of anatomical structures represented in the medical image, and determining, with the electronic processor, how each of the plurality of anatomical structures is photographically depicted by accessing at least one knowledge base. The method also includes generating, with the electronic processor, the simulated anatomical photograph based on the plurality of anatomical structures and how each of the plurality of anatomical structures is photographically depicted, wherein the pixels of the simulated anatomical photograph represent a simulated cross-sectional anatomical photograph of the plurality of anatomical structures, and displaying, with the electronic processor via a display device, the simulated anatomical photograph within a user interface.