
Documentation
Documentation is an essential part of conservation practice.
​
Imaging provides an important record of an artifact. Treatment imaging always includes photographs captured before intervention (before treatment) and after. This records changes to the work and provides an accurate record of its current state. A variety of imaging techniques may be used to record specific details.
​
Types of documentation offered:
-
Normal light: captures image information, color and condition
-
Raking light: captures distortions in the support and surface texture
-
Specular light: captures surface texture and gloss
-
Transmitted light: captures watermarks, signatures on mounted prints, negatives
-
UV-Visible fluorescence: captures information about adhesives, pigments and stains
-
Reflected Infrared: captures information about underdrawing and materials
-
Infrared Luminescence: captures information about underdrawing and materials
-
Reflected UV: captures information about materials and condition
-
Scanning: captures image information, typically used for negatives
-
Microscopic imaging: captures details that may not be visible to the naked eye, aids in photographic process identification

detail of specular documentation of a woodburytype showing image relief

Detail of Indian miniature showing material differences visible in infrared

UV induced visible fluorescence image of a pigment panel showing differences in fluorescence of materials

detail of specular documentation of a woodburytype showing image relief

Tintype in normal light

Tintype in raking light

Tintype in specular light