Tip Sheet 1: Taking a Photo of a Photo
Tip Sheet 1: Taking a Photo of a Photo When using a camera rather than a scanner to create a digital image of a photo or postcard, please follow these guidelines for the best results:
1. Turn off the flash on the camera • Flash photography can damage delicate archival materials • If the photo/postcard is glossy, the flash will bounce and create a white spot on your
image
• You should be able to turn off the flash in the settings section
2. Place the photo/postcard in a place that is well lit • Place it in natural light if possible • Adjust the position to minimise the reflection of light sources on the photo/postcard • Adjust your positioning to avoid your shadow falling over it
3. Take the photo from a bird’s eye view • Put the photo on a table, stand over it and hold the camera horizontally over it • Avoid taking the photo at an angle
4. E nsure the whole frame of the camera view finder is filled with the photo/ postcard • There should be no gaps around the photo • If the photo/postcard is portrait, take the photo in the same orientation • Ensure the image is in focus
5. Take 2 photos of each photo • Try repositioning to get the best image that doesn’t have shadows, white spots, reflections
and captures the colour of the photo/postcard as much as possible
• When uploading, choose the best one
Good example To avoid
Image shared by Trish Short Lewis
1. Turn off the flash on the camera • Flash photography can damage delicate archival materials • If the photo/postcard is glossy, the flash will bounce and create a white spot on your
image
• You should be able to turn off the flash in the settings section
2. Place the photo/postcard in a place that is well lit • Place it in natural light if possible • Adjust the position to minimise the reflection of light sources on the photo/postcard • Adjust your positioning to avoid your shadow falling over it
3. Take the photo from a bird’s eye view • Put the photo on a table, stand over it and hold the camera horizontally over it • Avoid taking the photo at an angle
4. E nsure the whole frame of the camera view finder is filled with the photo/ postcard • There should be no gaps around the photo • If the photo/postcard is portrait, take the photo in the same orientation • Ensure the image is in focus
5. Take 2 photos of each photo • Try repositioning to get the best image that doesn’t have shadows, white spots, reflections
and captures the colour of the photo/postcard as much as possible
• When uploading, choose the best one
Good example To avoid
Image shared by Trish Short Lewis
