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Anatomical orientation and scale |
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Anatomical orientation
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If your photographs are going to be of useful the specimen should
be orientated anatomically.
If you are not sure of the orientation refer to an anatomical atlas
or the doctor concerned.
It is also important to know whether you are viewing it from the
posterior (back) or anterior (front). |
Colon arranged anatomically |
Indication of size
This can be undertaken in one or a combination of two ways.
Include a scale in the photograph or at the least something whose scale
is known.
Take a photograph at a predetermined magnification. Especially for exhibition
work as a large scales tend to look overpowering with a small specimen.
"There is no denying that tumour filling a tray or dwarfing a thumb
is impressive, but how big is the thumb - how large is the tray
- what is the size of the specimen? The answer must be that for
a clean-cut objective and scientific presentation of facts an inflexible
and unmistakable device must be used." Halsman J (1955) |
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Positioning the scale
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Choose a scale proportional to the size of the specimen.
Place the scale near the edge of the frame, with the left hand
edge in line with the specimen. |
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Centimetre (cm.) markings should be facing towards the specimen
and lettering correctly orientated so it can be read without turning
on your side.
A collection of scales is needed for each side left, right, above,
below and 20cm, 10cm, 5cm and 2cm in size.
The specimen should usually be placed to the right of the scale
or above.
There is no excuse for having the wrong scale or placing it incorrectly.
Try to put the scale as close to the edge of the frame as possible.
This may not be feasible in all cases or lead to a visually poor
slide for teaching purposes. |
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Height of scale
When you focus on the scale stop down the aperture to ensure that the
top and bottom of the specimen are in focus.
Scales are there to indicate size not strictly for measurement. In using
them for measurement allowance has to be made for perspective correction
(Hale C. 1954). Some systems allow for changes in perspective by using
a large lens (Williams AR 1976).
Scale supports
The scale should preferably be non-reflective, a black support
is best that is also matt and so doesn't reflect light onto the glass.
The scale should be well supported with plastic pieces (Geddes N 1980)
or sticks of wood and blu tac or plasticine. Be sensible when using supports
as the support should not be visible in the photograph.
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What not to do!
Found in an paper from the American
Journal of Physical Anthropology. |
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