Shooting to computing

Working Spaces 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

Basic Photography Methods

Getting the Light Right

• direction• quality

Hands On Photography Workflow

• setting• camera and tripod• lighting• reflectors and props




– hard light– soft light– reflectors














Studio Photography – Single Spotlight & Reflector


Studio Photography – Single Soft Light & Reflector


Studio Photography – Single Soft Light & Two Reflectors


Studio Photography – Copy Setup for Flat Art incl. photos

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.

Location PhotographyVisually 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.

Location PhotographyVisually Reflective Objects

Digital Camera Issues

• image area• power requirements• costs and fragility


Operational Issues

• shooting speed

– shutter delay or shutter lag– processing and saving file

• menus• white balance• exposure


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


Operational Issues• exposure

– Histogram


Quality

• shooting environment including tripod use• focus• exposure• film or resolution settings including compression settings• post production of images (image manipulation)

Image Management Workflow

Overview• selecting a tool, method and/or software application

– ACDSee– Adobe Photoshop Elements/Bridge, – Adobe Lightroom, – Adobe Photoshop/Bridge, – Google Picasa, – IDimager, – IrfanView, – iPhoto, – Microsoft Expression Media, – PaintShop Pro, – PhotoImpact, – PhotoSuite, etc. ………………………………………..


Picassa


ACDSee


Photoshop Elements 4


Photoshop Bridge


Photoshop Lightroom


IrfanView


Microsoft Pro Photo Tools 2


• selecting a tool, method and/or software application• image transfer and storage

– archiving and back-up– moving files to computer

Image BucketsImage Archive

MyImages-0001MyImages-0002…..


• selecting a tool, method and/or software application• image transfer and storage


• reviewing images• file naming and version control• image renaming• image metadata• basic image editing concepts• output and batch processing


Review


Renaming


Image metadata

• Description

• Location

• Keywords (use a standard authority list)

• Date/Time (original image if copying)

• Creator

• Copyright

• Rating


Image metadata


Other things …. Colour Management

http://www.archives.gov/research/arc/adjust-monitor.html

Hands on session

• Grab your treasure

Hands on session

• and prepare to make your collections accessible!

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

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 …

Digitisation will impact on ...

Impact of digitisation on others?– Rights management – ownership, ©, privacy, cultural

sensitivities– Provision of appropriate access– Other projects and opportunities for collaboration– Re-use of the digitised material

How long will it take to get ready to start?

Infrastructure – storage and delivery options for digital images

Risk management – what if something goes horribly wrong?

Have back-up plans!

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

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

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

Art & Photos

Shooting to computing