Language selection

Government of Canada / Gouvernement du Canada

Search

Artifacts with Multiple Components

Type of Artifact

Examples:

  • Toy
  • Board game
  • Other

Mandatory

  1. Black or neutral grey background
  2. Artifact catalogue number
  3. Colour or white-grey-black scale
  4. Artifact placed straight
  5. Ensure that the catalogue number and scale can be excluded if necessary

Procedures

  • For documentary purposes, the artifact should be photographed at least twice (or more if the artifact has several components or moving parts).
  • Use a digital camera capable of capturing a minimum of 3,000 pixels for the longest measurement (8 x 10, 300 ppi), in either RAW or TIFF.
  • Use a regular lens.

Recommendations

In the Studio

  • At the beginning of each session with new lighting, adjust the camera's white balance and for reference purposes photograph a Kodak Q-14 colour scale.
  • Import the image into image-processing software (e.g., Photoshop®) and adjust the "levels" on the colour scale with the points of reference as indicated in the general guidelines.
  • Save the data in ALV format, since this information will apply to all photos taken during the same photography session.

Taking the Picture

  • Place the colour scale (showing measurements) at the foot of the artifact. Save space on the lower right to record the artifact's catalogue number.
  • Photograph twice with the scale: one front view and one back view, as well as one or two views of components and/or moving parts.
Front view of closed board game box and a catalogue number: 2004.18.714.1 a-b
Front view
CD2005-0266-D2005-02677
Back view of closed board game box and the catalogue number: 2004.18.714.1 a-b
Back view
CD2005-0266-D2005-02676
Open board game box and its pieces, and the catalogue number: 2004.18.714.1 a-b
View of components
CD2005-0266-D2005-02679
Closed board game box and its pieces, and catalogue number: 2004.18.714.1 a-b
View of components
CD2005-0266-D2005-02680

At the Computer - Image-Processing Software

  • Apply the ALV information to all images within the same studio session.
  • Works well for batch digitization and improves productivity, but does not offer optimal rendering of individual images.
  • Type the artifact's catalogue number in the lower right - in white if the background is black, and in black if the background is neutral grey (font: Arial, 40 pts.).
  • Flatten the image (i.e., flatten layers).
  • Convert in Adobe RGB 1998 profile, 8 bits per channel (total 24 bits).
  • Save the image as an uncompressed TIFF, named to standards established by the Corporation's Photo Archives.
  • Produce a JPEG version as described in the general guidelines.

Contact information for this web page

This resource was published by the Canadian Heritage Information Network (CHIN). For comments or questions regarding this content, please contact CHIN directly. To find other online resources for museum professionals, visit the CHIN homepage or the Museology and conservation topic page on Canada.ca.

Page details

Date modified: