How to Use Photos to Determine Facial Structure in Restorative Art

Facial structure for the embalmer is based on the Canon of Beauty and the asymmetrical aspects of each feature. In order to reconstruct the damaged features, you must be able to take proper measurements and do the math associated with each feature. Without this, the Restoration process is hindered and virtually impossible to complete correctly.

Things You'll Need

• Calculator
• Photo
• Ruler or tape measure
• pen and paper
• The deceased you are servicing

Instructions

1. Measure each undamaged feature on the deceased and record the measurements for each. This includes the width of the mouth, eye, face and nose, as well as the length of the ear, face and nose.

2. Now, measure the same features on the photo that was given to you by the family. This will give you the basis for the mathematics you will need to work to find for the damaged features.

3. Use the following formula to find the appropriate dimensions: (A) Photo undamaged divided by (B) Subject damaged multiplied by (C) Damaged from photo to solve for X, the damaged feature on your subject. To work this formula, write down that A is the undamaged measurement from the picture and it is divided by B, or the undamaged measurement from your subject. This number is now multiplied by C to give you the answer you are solving for, which is X.

Tips & Warnings

• The Canon of Beauty says that the formula above is critical when using a frontal view picture to find the measurement of any feature to be restored.