Rainey -

The biggest concerns in regard to light exposure depends on the materials
that are present on the doll. I would be most concerned about fugitive paints and
pigments rather than bare wood. I would be much more concerned about any silk
textiles and fugitive dyes rather than a plain white cotton dress or shift on
the doll.

If you are really, really concerned and have materials such as a fragile silk
dress, then you might consider having a reproduction garment made and
changing out the clothing on the doll for events like this.

Light damage is cumulative and involves both duration and intensity. A camera
flash is high intensity but only for a fraction of a second -- so it is of
far less concern than if the same doll were left on continuous exhibit under
1000 ft. candles for a year.

There will probably be more light exposure from the ambient light within the
room during the event than that produced by the actual photography.

One thing you  might consider is to construct a Doll's house and mount the d
oll inside (you could even construct one from archival blue board and paint it
with watercolors). Keep the doors closed until the moment that the photography
will take place. This will not only limit light exposure from the event but
it will create curiosity among the donors. This could also cut down on any
temptations for people to handle the doll.

I would also suggest that the photographer uses either diffusion screens or
bounced light off of umbrellas to produce a softer more indirect light in the
photography. It will probably arouse more interest to actually do a studio
setup with a backdrop, lights, etc., then trying to have people pose against a
plain wall in the room. The Rossco corporation makes various UV filtering gels
that are used for theatrical lighting. One of those gels could certainly be
wrapped around a flash unit or mounted in front of a studio light for photography.
The remaining light can certainly still cause damage but at least you are
mitigating some part of it.

You also might consider having an informational pamphlet available that
describes the doll and its importance, along with tips on the care and preservation
of historic dolls.

Cheers!
Dave

David Harvey
Artifacts
2930 South Birch Street
Denver, CO  80222
303-300-5257
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