A method for interpreting a color in a photographic digital image is disclosed. The method includes receiving a photographic digital image comprising a color portion proximate to a color scale. Different spatial positions on the color scale correspond to different known outcome values. The position of the color portion in the digital image is located and a digital color value for the color portion is determined. Digital scale color values at different positions on the color scale are determined. The digital color value is compared to one or more digital scale color values to determine a digital reference color value that approximates the digital color value of the color portion. A position of the digital reference color value on the color scale is determined. An outcome value is then determined based on the position of the digital reference color value.