for photography of each anatomical area. The West Midlands Clinical Photographic Handbook advises that for adults, the following areas should be photographed according to the Westminster scale of magnification (Table 1). The Westminster scale of magnification applies to a ‘full frame’ imaging chip. Macro lenses have a ratio scale on the lens barrel that relates to ‘full frame’ cameras. As the imaging chip in many digital cameras is smaller than full frame (resulting in a cropping effect when compared with full frame), calculations need to be made to determine an alternative magnification ratio that will provide comparable results to those acquired with a full frame camera.
It can be helpful to mark the alternative ratio points on the barrel of the lens but it is also worth noting that one manufacturer may equip different camera bodies within their range with different size chips, which would affect the magnification ratio again. Table 1. Westminster scale of magnification. Occasionally it may be necessary to deviate from set magnification ratios in order to competently photograph larger (bariatric) or smaller (paediatric) patients. If the magnification used is different from the standard ratio, this should be noted on the photographic request form (or other documentation) so that it may be repeated as changes in the wound occur.
4.3 Lighting It is important that the quantity and direction of light falling upon the subject is carefully controlled. The photographic studio is the ideal location for clinical photography, as it provides optimum lighting capabilities. Alternatively, when patient photography page 12 Anatomical area Magnification Head 1:10 Eyes 1:4 Ear 1:4 Nose & forehead 1:4 Mouth & tongue 1:2 Teeth 1:2 Hands 1:10 Fingers 1:1 (1:4 for all 4 fingers) Arms 1:15 Breasts 1:15 Torso & abdomen 1:25 Genitalia 1:4 Legs 1:25 Feet 1:10