Technical Imaging with a Modified UV-VIS-IR DSLR (Workshop I)

Imaging techniques used by conservators differ from consumer or commercial photography in that consistency is critical for the meaningful comparison of images made over time and across collections. Specialized imaging techniques also are required to reveal key material characteristics and condition issues not readily visible to the naked eye. A typical DSLR can be modified to increase sensitivity in the UV and IR, ranging from about 350 nm to 1050nm, enabling a broad range of photographic techniques including visible light, UV-induced visible fluorescence, reflected UV, reflected IR, and visible-induced IR luminescence.
This workshop will combine lectures with hands-on training. The capabilities of UV-VIS-IR DSLR will be introduced and the factors that produce informative, reliable, and consistent results will be covered. Step by step demonstrations of multiple techniques will review optimum object set-up and lighting (irradiation), as well as image capture and processing. The overarching goal is to provide the basis for implementing easy and repeatable workflows.