In article <[log in to unmask]>, Jennifer Nuske
<[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>We have a collection of roughly 4,000 artefacts which are only now going
>onto a data base. I wanted to photograph each item for records but was
>wondering if we should invest in the equipment and take digital images?
>I have been told this is particularly useful for old photographs which
>can be reproduced quite reasonably these days for exhibitions etc.
>
>Are the costs prohibitive, that is, is it practical for the whole
>collection? Could I then manipulate the data when we updated the
>database to include pictures?
>
>Be patient with me, I am a technophobe undergoing self-treatment.
>
>Jennifer Nuske
>[log in to unmask]
>Melbourne, Australia.

i think you should definitely document your collection visually now, while
it's still relatively small.  the longer you wait, the more overwhelming
it will get.

still, digital imaging doesn't have to be an immediate goal. good digital
images can be made from good transparencies.  this type of transfer can
also be hired out rather than by purchasing expensive equipment.

you shouldn't feel it necessary to treat each object with the same concern
for quality of image.  in many cases (especially if you can foresee no
need for future publication of your images) there is no need to find the
best photographer in town or take anything more than decent "insurance
quality" images.

other things to consider when you decide whether or not to use digitized
images in your database: whether or not your software will "allow"
importing images, what format(s) of image can it handle, how much disk
space you have for images on you computer(s), how you intend to backup
your data, etc.

the more options and contingencies you can foresee now, the less
time-consuming backtracking you will face in the future.  try making a
"dream list" to get an idea what you would like your finished product to
look like.  having clear goals in mind will help keep you from floundering
around.  then take it step by step...

i notice your email address has an ".EDU."  if your institution is part of
a university setting, you might want to consider meeting with people in
the computer science department, library, etc.  often, these kind of
projects can be done jointly to save money or at the least you might find
someone with a strong background in this sort of thing.

i know you will learn a lot with your project. try to stay flexible and
try not to let technophobia get you down.  i'm sure you will have a good
time with it!

just some thoughts

kjk

--
i do not respond to unsolicited email.

kjk (inviting you to put as much thought into reading my post as you do into
writing yours).