Digital Photodocumentation of Museum Objects

This workshop explains how to digitally photograph museum objects to meet conservation and documentation requirements. It includes information on how to choose proper photographic equipment, the various types of digital cameras and how they function, different light sources and how they influence colour, assorted lighting techniques and how to set up a digital workflow. The importance of combining all these elements in an appropriate manner to consistently produce accurate images is also discussed.

Although not a mandatory purchase, Lighting Methods for Photographing Museum Objects would be a valuable reference tool for this course. This practical spiral-bound guide demonstrates how lighting can shape and highlight the features of an object in a photograph. It includes 15 lighting techniques, all of which are clearly explained and illustrated with colour photos. Whether you are a professional photographer, curator, heritage professional or student, this book will assist you in the creation of effective photographic documentation. (A 25% discount is available on this title to students with valid ID and to post-secondary institutions within Canada ordering multiple copies.) The CCI video “Lighting Techniques for Photographing Heritage Objects” can also be viewed prior to the workshop. It provides a short, visual summary of numerous techniques that will be reviewed in the course.

Learning objectives

Upon completion of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• understand the basic characteristics and functioning of various types of digital cameras
• understand the basics of digital image capture and file types
• understand light sources and colour balance
• choose appropriate lighting methods to document objects
• set up and understand digital workflow

Units

Camera types and characteristics

• Characteristics and functions of various types of digital cameras
• Overview of camera lenses, image sensors, image resolution, colour space and file formats, including their archival properties
• Camera accessories and their function in photodocumentation
• Evaluating camera options based on institutional needs and budget

Camera settings

• File formats and their impact on image quality
• Effective use of camera settings such as resolution, white balance and ISO for optimal photography
• Camera features that enhance workflow and image quality, including exposure bracketing and histogram analysis

Exposure settings

• Fundamentals of exposure in digital photography, including aperture, shutter speed, and ISO
• Different exposure modes for various photographic scenarios
• Determining the correct exposure using meters and reference targets to accurately photograph museum objects

Lighting

• Common light sources for photographing museum objects and the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of each type
• Light modifiers and accessories
• Safety when working with photographic lighting
• Lighting 2D and 3D heritage objects
• Components of a lighting set-up including key, fill, rim and background lights
• Enhancing object dimensions with lighting ratios

Digital workflow

• Workflow and processes for effective photodocumentation
• Key factors for validating image quality, including focus, exposure and colour management
• File naming conventions to ensure good organization and prevent data loss
• Digital asset management systems for archiving images

Target audience

Conservators, conservation scientists, registrars and other conservation and museum professionals seeking an introduction to or a review of photographic equipment and methods

Facilitator(s)

Mylène Choquette and Germain Wiseman

Language(s)

English and French

Enrolment limits

Minimum 10, maximum 12

Duration

Two days

Special requirements

If you would like to receive a list of requirements, please email iccdemande-ccirequest@pch.gc.ca.