Hi,

I usually use a sheet. A white cotton sheet from Target (or a like store) is perfect. I've pinned it up on a wall to make a backdrop or draped it over a table etc. If you can get a standing lamp (even bring one from home) that works as a good light source. I usually just use a 12 inch ruler for scale. I also try to include the object number in the photo, that way I can go through the photos and number them at a later time. You can use a photo log as well.
If the object is obviously big (like a piano) I wouldn't worry about scale. Also if it's too big to move don't worry about a backdrop, as it sounds like you are just photographing for a database.

Kali

From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Marc A Williams
Sent: Wednesday, July 08, 2015 9:39 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] Photographing large items

Christian,

The answer to your question starts with a question to you.  What is the purpose of the photography?  If it is simply to have a record of the object, use a digital SLR with mounted flash.  Take the photo at the best angle you can that minimizes reflection.  Don't worry about a backdrop.  If it is for something that you might use informally and perhaps be used on your web site, you can purchase small studio flash units with two flash units and two umbrellas for a few hundred dollars.  These will allow you to get more even lighting (one left, one right) on larger objects and reduce much of the reflection.  Again, don't worry about backdrops for larger items.  If it is for publication and a backdrop really matters, hire a professional, as Tim suggested.  You want to have a color scale and grey scale, as well as a measuring scale in the photo.  These are easily available from any photo supplier.  You can simply lean them next to the object or glue one to a block of wood that can stand on any convenient surface.  For larger objects, I have even placed it on the object itself in a location that does not obscure part of the object.

Marc

American Conservation Consortium, Ltd.
     4 Rockville Road
     Broad Brook, CT 06016
     www.conservator.com<http://www.conservator.com>
     860-386-6058

Marc A. Williams, President
     MS in Art Conservation, Winterthur Museum Program
     Former Chief Wooden Objects Conservator, Smithsonian Institution
     Fellow, American Institute for Conservation (AIC)

From: christian<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 07, 2015 6:48 PM
To: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
Subject: [MUSEUM-L] Photographing large items

Hello everyone,

I'm interning at a small museum & will be re-photographing all of the artifacts in the museum's collection. Some of these items are very large, heavy, and/or semi-permanently affixed to the walls. What is the best method to photograph these items in their current locations? The gallery where they are on display is dimly lit though additional lighting will not be a problem. I'm mostly concerned with an appropriate backdrop & the ability to include a scale.

Christian Roesler
Archaeology/Museum Studies graduate student
University of Memphis

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