Photoscopic Somatotype Workshop

The first ISAK sponsored workshop in photoscopic somatotyping was held at the Commonwealth International Scientific Congress, Melbourne, Australia, 9-12 March, 2006. The workshop was taught by Lindsay Carter, ISAK L4 anthropometrist, and a criterion somatotype rater.

Purpose

The purpose of this workshop was to teach photoscopic and anthropometric plus photoscopic somatotype ratings. The primary aim was to ensure that there will be a core group of well-trained photoscopic somatotypers who will be a resource for others in the field. There are only a few colleagues in the world who can be classified as competent photoscopic raters or who have compared themselves to “criterion” raters. There were 14 participants in the workshop, from ten countries. The workshop was divided into three parts, with only Part 2 held in Melbourne.

Part 1 - Pre-course: one month prior to Melbourne. This consisted of several samples of rated somatotype photographs (approx. 75-subjects), along with relevant data on a CD. These samples demonstrated to the participant how to make the ratings and allowed the participant to compare their ratings with the criterion rating. This was the distance learning part of the course.

Part 2 – Within-course. This was a “live” workshop in Melbourne at the Congress site. There were two 90-minute sessions. Topics:

(1) Photoscopic somatotype: origins; uses; methods; Anthropometric+Photoscopic criterion ratings; comparison of methods; rating criteria; Heath vs Sheldon. Uses: Body image; etc.

(2) The somatotype photograph – origins and uses; review of rating procedures; new photos shown with rating exercises; “clinical” applications; resolution of problem ratings; new “blind” ratings; somatotype analyses; somatotype software. Photograph methods: traditional 3 views (b&w); specifications; proportions – distortions; new – digital options and specifications

(3) New photos: extremes; problem ratings; candidate examples. Blind ratings; methods and examples; clinical applications; dealing with press photos and data, etc.

(4) Somatotyping children: new HWR table; examples; comparisons.

(5) Somatotype analyses: 3D, Somatotype Attitudinal Means; comparisons. Somatotype program: Somatotype 1.1.

Part 3 – Post-course. Participants were sent a CD containing male and female somatotype photographs, with basic data by no rating. These somatotypes are the “exam” to test competence in photoscopic rating. After the ratings were completed, the participants then returned them to Lindsay Carter for evaluation. Once the participant passed, a certification as a “Criterion Somatotype Rater” was issued by ISAK. There were 14 people at the course in Melbourne. Only 7 completed all the requirements.