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Digitizing Photographs

Short Start: Flatbed/camera workflows for prints, negatives, and bound volumes. Use this when digitizing loose photos, negatives, slides, or bound materials that require cradle/copy-stand.

Goal

  • Capture high-quality master images (TIFF) and access derivatives (JPEG/PNG) with consistent naming and embedded metadata.
  • Prepare deliverables for discovery platforms and preservation packages.

Prerequisites

  • Hardware: flatbed scanner (e.g., Epson), copy stand + DSLR/mirrorless, calibrated monitor.
  • Software: scanning app (Epson), camera tethering (optional), ImageMagick or Photoshop, ExifTool, DigiKam (optional).
  • Standards ready: file/folder naming scheme and metadata templates.

!!! tip Calibrate once per session. Re-check DPI/exposure when switching batches.

Steps

  1. Prep & naming

  2. Stage items, dust/clean lightly, confirm folder structure.

  3. Assign collection/job prefix and next sequence number.

  4. Capture

  5. Flatbed: 600 DPI (prints), 1200–2400 DPI (negatives/slides); 24-bit color where relevant.

  6. Camera: fixed focal length, RAW, consistent lighting; include color target for the first shot.

  7. Post-process

  8. Convert RAW → TIFF; crop/rotate; basic levels (non-destructive where possible).

  9. Generate access JPEG/PNG. Preserve masters as TIFF.

  10. Embed/basic metadata

  11. Write creator, date scanned, source ID, rights statement via ExifTool or DigiKam.

  12. Verify metadata on a random sample.

  13. Package outputs

  14. Masters → preservation area; Access → delivery area.
  15. Export a simple inventory (CSV) with filename, title, notes.

QC Checklist

  • [ ] DPI and bit depth match the target spec for the material type.
  • [ ] Cropping square; orientation correct; no clipping.
  • [ ] Filenames follow the standard; sequences continuous.
  • [ ] Metadata embedded and spot-checked.
  • [ ] TIFF masters and JPEG/PNG access copies present.

Troubleshooting

  • Exposure/Color cast
  • Re-shoot with color target; ensure white balance is set and lights are consistent.
  • Moiré or banding
  • Slightly change scale/angle; enable anti-alias settings; scan at higher DPI.
  • Soft focus
  • Re-focus; use live view/tether; lock down copy stand; use self-timer or remote.
  • File sizes too large
  • Confirm compression for derivatives only; keep masters uncompressed.