‘Digital Photography’

Stuart Mann - 20 Apr 2005 - speaking at the BerksFHS Computer Branch, Woodley

'Do I need a digital camera?' - is the Wrong question. 'Can I benefit from using a digital camera' - is the question to ask. Benefits of using digital include low running costs; images can be put directly on to computer; instant results - no waiting for film to be completed/developed; images can be manipulated easily on a computer; good performance in poor light conditions.

By recording documents for later transcription you can save time and have ability to check records later.
Choice of camera:- Do not use a very simple camera. Recommended features include zoom lens; macro facility; ability to turn Flash OFF: also possible are stitching of images in camera and a swivelling display which can help when taking photographs in difficult situations.

Camera accessories:- small bean bag to place camera on, as alternative to mini tripod; spirit level, which can fit into a flash shoe; spare batteries; spare memory cards.

Copying document Tips
Use a tripod if possible or alternative support
Use self timer or remote release to minimise camera shake
Maximise natural light, and DON'T use flash

Fill the frame, but DON'T get caught by optical viewfinder parallax. For close ups use camera display if available.
To fill the frame, get close and use a low zoom setting. Avoid maximum zoom and DON'T use digital zoom.
Check camera is parallel to document; this can be easier at times if the document can be placed vertically.
Use the highest quality camera setting, which will give best quality but large file size. DON'T use sharpening in camera - this is better done on the computer later. If possible avoid compression such as Jpeg and record in Raw or Tiff format. Set the camera 'film' speed to the lowest ISO setting. Take multiple shots with different exposures; digital cameras are less effective where there is a big range in light conditions. Include context within at least one picture in a sequence as a reminder. Check the shots before leaving the site, preferably after each exposure.

Record Office Issues

Always ask what the policy is. NB Berkshire RO make a considerable charge for camera use. You may need to sign a copyright declaration. A tripod may not be allowed and flash will almost certainly forbidden; if your camera Beeps, turn it OFF. When photographing fiche records a portable hood to screen extraneous light will improve results. A computer can easily invert a white on black image to more legible black on white.

When photographing inscriptions it is usually advisable to take close ups of several smaller extracts. Choose the camera position to maximise the contrast effect caused by lighting direction. This may mean photographing from below. Flash can help, particularly if a separate flash gun can be used away from the camera.

When imaging photographs remember to check the back for records of the content and photograph that as well. Information about an image can be added to it using the computer. Most image processing programs have the facility, although it often needs to be looked for as it is not always easily found.

Storing Digital Images

Unlike traditional photographic images an original digital image will not deteriorate, or change in any way, with age. (The only change that can occur is if it is saved several times using compression such as Jpeg: always keep the original separately and save in lossless format - such as Tiff, or proprietary forms eg .psd or .psd) However the file may be corrupted or the storage medium damaged. A list of Dos and DONTs to help preserve the image

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DO
Keep multiple copies of images
Make the copies on different media
Store copies in different locations
Handle discs by edges
Avoid sunlight
If cleaning is needed, wipe radially
Store vertically

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DON'T
Buy cheap media
Use rewriteable discs for long term storage
Touch the surface of a disc
Use solvent based inks on discs
Use sharp tipped writing pens
Clean discs with circular movement
Store horizontally

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Finally Check that images have been written correctly and Refresh ie make new copies every 3-5 years.

updated 1 Sep 2007