We use standard color targets in all full color scans from reflective originals (see attached) either using a flatbed scanner or digital photography. We use targets with color, gray scale and size indicators to provide viewers of the image with visible and measurable information with which to judge the qualities of the original. Some think it is overkill to have the target in every image but they serve as an objective measure which travels with the digital file. It can be cropped out if not needed but for archival or museum images this can be important to researchers.
The gray scale/color patch target we derive is based on the Kodak/Tiffen Q-13. An even more popular color target is the Gretag MacBeth Colorchecker, in several versions, but it's rectangular format doesn't fit along the edge of an image very well. You can find either kind at a pro-level camera store or mail-order house. e.g. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/26662-REG/Kodak_1527654_Color_Separation_Guide_and.html/BI/1239/kw/KOCSGS Also, here is an interesting (yet older) article on the topic: http://palimpsest.stanford.edu/byauth/vitale/color-targets/ Mary W. Elings Archivist for Digital Collections The Bancroft Library University of California Berkeley, CA 94720-6000 At 02:04 PM 10/14/2008, Jansonius, Remko (Vizcaya) wrote: >Dear Colleagues, > > > >We are about to digitize a collection of photo albums containing >1910s/20s photographs; while they are black and white, many have >discolored and turned sepia over the years. Since these are fragile, >bound volumes we will be doing this through photography rather than >scanning. Would you say it is necessary or advisable or standard >practice to use a color card or a grey card during this process? > > > >As always, I greatly appreciate y'all's input! > > > >Sincerely, > > > >Remko Jansonius > >Collections and Archives Manager > >Vizcaya Museum and Gardens > >Miami, FL > >_______________________________________________ >You are currently subscribed to mcn-l, the listserv of the Museum >Computer Network (http://www.mcn.edu) > >To post to this list, send messages to: mcn-l at mcn.edu > >To unsubscribe or change mcn-l delivery options visit: >http://toronto.mediatrope.com/mailman/listinfo/mcn-l Mary W. Elings Archivist for Digital Collections The Bancroft Library University of California Berkeley, CA 94720-6000 melings*library.berkeley.edu Ph 510-643-2273 Fx 510-643-2548
