Photography as a Tool for Documentation and Examination

Since its invention, photography has been used both artistically and for documentation and, in many fields, more widely as a means of investigation. As such, it is a natural part of the preservation of art and cultural heritage.

This course imparts you with the knowledge required to conduct a reputable photo documentation. It describes the technology of a camera, lighting, accessories and image editing. The practice related assortment of the upmost important skills of digital photography and the relevance of professional imaging techniques make this course one of a kind.

Course Content

After an introduction to the subject, you will be introduced to the general basics of digital camera technology. Important correlations of applied photography such as aperture, shutter speed, focusing and exposure follow. As simple as this compilation may sound, the safe handling of these parameters is elementary for professional results.

In the following module, you will learn about the different types of camera lenses, their characteristics and their areas of application. In addition to the correct handling of the camera, correct lighting of the objects is essential for their imaging. In the fifth module of the course, after a short introduction to the topic of "light", the advantages and disadvantages of the most common lamps and flash photography will be explained.

The sixth module offers you a practical compilation of the most important photographic techniques as part of a documentation of conservation measures. The targeted use of different types of exposure in conjunction with useful accessories is presented and offers you an overview of the relevant methods. In addition to the visualisation of restorative examinations in visible light, the use of UV and IR radiation will be addressed.

The course is completed by another module on handling and archiving digital image data. Remarks on electronic image processing and the output of the files as prints conclude the course.

This course is a translation of the German course.

The Authors

The conservator Christine Fiedler M.A. studied conservation/restoration of "Furniture and Wooden Objects" at HAWK in Hildesheim (Germany) for 5 years. For several years she tought photography as the successor of Dipl.-Des. Clemens Kappen for the HAWK Conservation Study Programme and tutored and co-developed several online courses of the institute. She now works at the Landesmuseum Hannover.

Dipl.-Rest. Barbara Hentschel  M.A. has graduated in Conservation and Restoration at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Hildesheim/ Holzminden/ Göttingen. Since then, she has been a research assistant for advising authors of e-learning offers.

Contact

Queries can be sent to: fortbildung@hornemann-institut.de