Basics of Collection Photography

Accurate photography is essential for preservation, access, and care of collections. This webinar is an introduction to basic practices for collection photography. This webinar aims to give participants the tools needed to:

    Set up or improve a photography space
    Select equipment, tools, and software
    Capture images
    Select archival file formats
    Record metadata
    Recognize and address common issues when photographic collections

These concepts will be reinforced with examples and case-studies to help participants understand the core concepts. Technology is rapidly changing, so understanding the reasons behind equipment choice is vital for cost-savings and longevity. References and selected supply lists will be provided.

Presenter


Jennifer McGlinchey Sexton is a conservator in private practice in Colorado. She specializes in photographs, works on paper and conservation imaging. She serves museums, institutions, and private individuals in the West and throughout the United States. A member of Mountain States Art Conservation, she works in collaboration with conservators of varied specialties whenever possible.

Trained as a fine-art photographer, Jennifer became interested in conservation through exploration of historic photographic processes. Her graduate training at Buffalo State College allowed her to explore additional aspects of photography as a medium and a tool for conservation. She gained experience as a conservator and photographer in positions at MFA, Houston, Williamstown Art Conservation Center, the J. Paul Getty Museum, the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Buffalo Bill Center of the West, the Menil Collection, and Paul Messier LLC. For the 2019-2020 academic year, was a full-time lecturer for “Technical Examination and Documentation” at the Garman Art Conservation Department, Buffalo State College.

Jennifer is a Professional Associate member of the American Institute for Conservation. Her practice is guided by the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice. She has demonstrated her commitment to the field of conservation by publishing articles, presenting at conferences, educating students and practicing conservators, and serving as the current AIC Secretary. She has also served on the board of the Western Association for Art Conservation (WAAC), and the Buffalo-Cooperstown Alumni Board.

Handouts

Basics of Photography Presentation
Basics of Photography Resources
Basics of Photography Chat Transcript

Recorded: Wednesday, September 9, 2020
Duration: 1 Hour 31 Minutes