How to take your scan photos

Clear, consistent photographs help Chain Revive organise visible alignment cues more reliably. You do not need specialist equipment: a phone camera, a stable place to position it, a plain background and enough space to show your whole body are sufficient. If possible, ask another person to take the images so the camera remains level.

Choose fitted but comfortable clothing that allows the outline of the shoulders, waist, pelvis, knees and ankles to be seen. Avoid heavy layers and loose trousers that hide landmarks. Bare feet are most useful for the foot and lower-limb views. Tie long hair back so it does not obscure the neck or shoulders.

Place the camera far enough away to include your head and feet without using a wide-angle effect. Keep it upright, level and approximately around waist height. Avoid pointing sharply up or down, because perspective distortion can change how the body appears. Use the same camera position for front, side and back photographs.

For the front view, face the camera with your feet in a comfortable natural stance and your arms relaxed. Do not pull your shoulders back or deliberately correct your posture. Look straight ahead and let your usual standing pattern show. Make sure both feet and the top of your head are visible.

For the side view, turn ninety degrees without moving the camera. Keep the ear, shoulder, hip, knee and ankle visible. Stand as you normally would and avoid lifting the chest or tucking the pelvis for the photograph. A true side view is more useful than a partly rotated stance.

For the back view, face away from the camera with your arms relaxed. Include the head, shoulders, pelvis, knees, heels and floor. Check that clothing is not twisted and that the camera remains centred. This view can help compare shoulder-blade position, waist symmetry, pelvis level and heel alignment.

For the feet close-up, stand on a firm, level surface and photograph both feet from above. Include the toes, arches and heels. Keep your weight distributed naturally rather than deliberately rolling inwards or outwards. A separate wet-foot test can add context about arch contact but should not be treated as a diagnosis.

Use even lighting and avoid strong shadows across the body. Review every image before beginning: it should be sharp, correctly oriented and free from objects covering key landmarks. When repeating the scan, recreate the same stance, camera height, distance and lighting so broad comparisons are more meaningful.

Wellness guidance only — not medical advice or diagnosis. Stop if a movement causes pain, and consult a qualified healthcare professional for persistent, severe or worsening symptoms.