2. Shooting to Computing
Overview
Photographs are critically important, not just for the
identification of objects, but also for documenting the
history of the object in its original context and in its
museum context.
• identification
• assessment
• documentation
• on-going care
• management, including collection management system
• conservation treatments
• promotion, including web sites
3. Basic Photography Methods
Getting the Light Right
• direction
• quality
Hands On Photography Workflow
• setting
• camera and tripod
• lighting
• reflectors and props
4. Basic Photography Methods
Getting the Light Right
• direction
• quality
– hard light
– soft light
– reflectors
12. Location Photography
When all is not ideal - DO NOT PANIC!
Location:
Airport Warehouse - Cocos-Keeling Is.
(summer, with approaching cyclone)
Highly Reflective Objects
• minimise reflections
• minimise light falling on camera,
photographer and items behind the
camera. Use dark partition/card if
available.
• use broad (even) light from both sides
or if only one light is available use
further away and bring in broad
reflector close to other side.
13. Location Photography
Visually Reflective Objects
• highly reflective object can be difficult
to photograph even when done within a
controlled environment such as a
photographic studio.
• utilising the white sheet, mentioned
previously, will minimize ‘busy’
reflections from objects immediately
nearby the object you are
photographing. If the sheet causes
some bright reflections itself then parts
can be folded back or a darker cloth
placed over the offending section.
• in the case of mirrors, try photograph
from a much further distance with a
very long lens to minimise the angle of
view to keep the camera and its
operator out of the reflection.
16. Digital Camera Issues
Operational Issues
• shooting speed
– shutter delay or shutter lag
– processing and saving file
• menus
• white balance
• exposure
17. Digital Camera Issues
Operational Issues
• shooting speed
– shutter delay or shutter lag
– processing and saving file
• menus
• white balance
• exposure
– Photographing very light or very dark coloured objects
White Envelope Kodak 18% Grey Card Black Satchel
19. Digital Camera Issues
Quality
• shooting environment including tripod use
• focus
• exposure
• film or resolution settings including compression settings
• post production of images (image manipulation)
37. Hands on session
• and prepare to make your collections accessible!
QuickTime™ and a
decompressor
are needed to see this picture.
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42. Before you digitise ...
What pre-digitisation activities are there?
Is the collection organised?
– Describe and arrange (eg catalogue, caption, index)
– Work out a system for file names
Is it in reasonable condition or are there any special
needs?
– Preservation assessment and treatment
– Re-house and correctly store material
– Will cradles, easels or other supports be required
– Consider the possible effect of photographic lights and the heat
of scanners on material …
44. Who will do the work?
Are people available within the organisation?
OR
Will you need to pay someone else to do the work or
provide you with advice?
What skills and competencies?
– Care and handling of collection material
– Imaging/photographic vs library skills
– Information Technology skills and experience
– Value-added knowledge of collection material and/or
subject area
45. What equipment?
What’s on the market and offered locally?
– Constantly changing technology
– After-sales support, warranty and service agreements
– Software compatibility
– Use personal and professional contacts
Try before you buy (if you can)
– Trial equipment and ask others what they’re using
– Leasing, “consortia” deals, joint equipment purchases
Get the “best” you can afford to do what you need
46. What other equipment?
Don’t forget the add-ons …
• Something to drive the imaging devices
• Software and licenses
• Peripherals and accessories
• Storage
• Light-boxes, bulbs and hoods
• Furniture and furnishings