Hands-on Digital Imaging for Conservation and Museum Professionals

This workshop will focus on current best practices for the capture, processing and management of digital photography and conservation documentation

March 12-15, 2013, Washington, DC

(check the course page on the AIC website for any updated information)

Location: Softek training facility, 1156 15th Street, Washington, DC (downstairs from the AIC offices)

Registration:  Participation limited to 10, and admission will be based on order of registration.

Registration fee: $600 for AIC members; $800 non-members.  (Fee does not include meals or housing).  Register at www.conservation-us.org/courses

Course description:
This workshop will focus on current best practices for the capture, processing and management of digital photography and conservation documentation.

Topics to be covered include:

• Digital workflow concepts
• Discussion of software and equipment
• File formats
• Capturing images using a DSLR camera tethered to a computer and with a memory card
• Software workspace and preference settings
• Processing images (single as well as batch processing)
• Application and use of metadata and keywords
• Storage of electronic files and backup strategies
• Introduction to color management, monitor calibration and color managed printing.
• Management and processing images using Lightroom may also be discussed if time allows

Participant interest will also drive the activity and help determine course emphasis.  This course consists of lectures and demonstrations as well as hands-on sessions.  Time will be set aside to work individually or in small groups with participants as needed to discuss processing and/or working with their own digital cameras (if they bring them to the workshop).  The workshop will take place in a computer training facility that will allow each participant to work on a computer with the latest versions of Adobe software.

Participants will receive a copy of the latest edition of the AIC Guide to Digital Photography and Conservation Documentation.

Instructor Bio:
Dawn Heller is a conservator in private practice located in Goodlettsville, TN, specializing in works on paper.  She received her MS and Certificate in art conservation from the Winterthur Museum/University of Delaware Program (WUDPAC) in 2002.  From 2001 to 2010, she acted as supplemental faculty for WUDPAC, helping develop the digital photographic documentation curriculum and managing the digital imaging equipment.  Dawn has also advised other institutions in their change over to digital imaging, including the Library of Congress, and Saint Louis Art Museum, as well as private conservators.  Ms Heller is one of the authors of The AIC Guide to Digital Photography and Conservation Documentation.

Pre-Workshop Preparation:
Participants will be directed to a webpage with links to online tutorials and other useful learning resources.   Reading through the AIC Guide to Digital Photography and Conservation Documentation will also be helpful.  Participants are encouraged to submit questions prior to the start of the workshop.

Scholarships:
Scholarships are available for AIC members, made possible with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities.  The scholarship application deadline is February 15.  See details at www.conservation-us.org/grants

Special thanks to Tim Vitale and to the University of Delaware Professional and Continuing Studies This program is funded in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

This program is also funded by the FAIC Endowment for Professional Development, which is supported by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and by contributions from  members and friends of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works.

Without this funding, the registration fee for this workshop would be approximately $1400.00

For more information, contact:
Abigail Choudhury
Development and Education Coordinator
Foundation of the American Institute for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works
1156 15th Street, NW, Suite 320
Washington, DC  20005
202-661-8070
Fax:  202-452-9328
www.conservation-us.org/courses