Collection Digitisation - Capturing Images
In the context of collection digitisation, photography and scanning’s primary aim is to capture an accurate and complete representation of collection items. Your digitised images should provide a clear representation of the item and should be free of elements acting as visual distraction.
In the Victorian Collections CMS, image files generated through digitisation are uploaded to and documented via the Media section.
In a collection care context, 'digitisation' refers to the process of photographing or scanning collection items.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
This information is designed to be read following the Collection Digitisation - Project Planning information sheet and in conjunction with the Collection Digitisation - Workflow information sheet.
As part of planning your digitisation workflow, you will have made decisions about what methods and equipment to use based on the type of collection items you intend to digitise, and prepared your workspace accordingly.
REMOVING VISUAL DISTRACTIONS
Whether photographing or scanning your items, the below considerations apply:
- It is preferable to use a clean and neutral colour paper backdrop. Neutral colours like white and light grey work best but a darker grey or black can be useful to contrast with white items or perforated items like lace.
- It is best to temporarily remove any labels or registration numbers from the item Do not hold the items as they are being photographed. Where necessary, use supports or display mounts.
- If the item is large and you don’t have a paper background wide enough, photograph it against the most neutral background. You can remove the background during the editing process.
FILLING THE FRAME
The item you are digitising is the subject being documented – it should fill the frame as much as possible, and the photograph should capture it in its entirety.
- Set the camera front-on to your item; the sensor should be parallel to the item
- Use your camera’s liveview functionality to help you place in item in the frame
- Use the grid on your camera display to help keep the item centred and straight, this is important especially for flat items like plans, artworks
- Choose the right orientation according to the shape of the object – a tall object is best captured in portrait format, whereas a wide object is best captured in landscape format
- It is preferable to move your camera instead of using its zoom functionality
- Be mindful when using a zoom lens functionality: a wide angle (18mm-30mm) can distort the object
- Use the autofocus functionality of your camera
- If you are scanning, select your item with a minimal buffer area around it
DOCUMENTING YOUR COLLECTION
Collection digitisation is about documenting your collection items in detail. You can take as many photographs as necessary:
- Your first image should include the colour target, a scale and your registration number for in-house collection management purposes and can be kept private
- Your second image is for public viewing that can be made available on an online CMS, and for publication purposes
- You can take additional detail photographs to document inscriptions, markings, fixtures and damage. If your item has several parts, take a picture of the set then a photograph of each part separately.
MORE LIKE THIS
- Collection Digitisation - Project Planning
- Collection Digitisation - Workflow
- Collection Digitisation - Post-production
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