A tightly cropped photograph can make a small detail look much larger than it is. Include a separate scale reference in your documentation so another viewer can interpret the photographed sample without guessing.
Photograph after the session
Once the piece can be handled according to the applicable instructions, move it to a separate photography surface. Place a ruler or another clearly labeled reference beside it, in the same plane where practical. Keep the reference out of the machine's active work area.
Take one full-piece photograph and one detail view. Retain the uncropped originals and avoid stretching either image. If perspective makes the reference difficult to read, take another photograph rather than assigning a precise measurement from the distorted view.
State what the photo supports
The reference helps communicate apparent size in that photograph. It does not establish engraving accuracy, minimum feature size or repeatability. For an AntBelt G1 sample record, pair the image with the specimen identity and the documented test context. Leave unmeasured performance claims out of the caption.
Browse related planning notes in /updates/.
