Our process …
We understand that museum objects vary widely in size, material, condition, and handling requirements. Our on-site workflow is designed to minimise disruption, work within your existing collections procedures, and help make the photography process as straightforward as possible for staff and volunteers.
Objects are photographed using high-resolution digital cameras, with controlled lighting tailored to the objects’ shape, surfaces, and scale. We use colour-managed workflows, reference targets, and consistent camera settings to help maintain accuracy across a set of images. This is especially important when photographing collections that need to sit together online, in catalogues, on interpretation panels, and in printed materials.
Once the photography is completed, the images are carefully processed from the original RAW files and retouched as required. This may include, but is not limited to, exposure and colour correction, highlight and shadow corrections, cropping, spot and dust removal, noise reduction, and sharpening.
Objects may also be clipped (removed) from their original backgrounds to place them on a cleaner background, or multiple objects may be incorporated into a single image. Subtle shadows or reflections can be added if the style required dictates.
Finished images are then prepared and exported in the formats required. This can include high-resolution TIFFs for archive or print use and smaller JPEGs for websites, databases, and social media. File naming methodology and image delivery will align with your existing image collection database or your new project requirements.
The result is a consistent set of professionally created photographs that supports both collections care and public access: detailed enough for documentation and research, polished enough for publication and interpretation, and flexible enough for use across print and digital platforms.
From single-object photography to larger digitisation projects, Museum Collections Photography helps museums open up their collections, protect the museum’s legacy, and share their stories with wider audiences.
Philip Giles photographing the collections at Wardown House, Museum & Gallery in Luton
Based in Hertfordshire, just 30 minutes north of London, we’re perfectly placed to work across the U.K. and welcome enquiries, both small and large, from near and far. Whatever your requirements, we’d love to hear from you.
Telephone: 01279 842 502
Email: info [@] museumcollectionsphotography.co.uk
Museum Collections Photography is part of Pan 3Sixty Limited, a photographic company specialising in creating high-quality, bespoke 360° virtual tours.
Established in 1999, Pan 3Sixty has had the pleasure of working with a wide range of clients across the U.K. and further afield, creating 360° virtual tours to meet diverse requirements. A considerable part of our work has involved creating 360° virtual tours for museums and heritage organisations. Clients include Imperial War Museums (I.W.M. London, H.M.S. Belfast & The Churchill War Rooms), Jane Austen’s House, The British Museum, English Heritage, Bradford Museums & Galleries, The American Air Museum, National Museum Cardiff, Hertford Museum, Culture Trust Luton, St. Albans Museum, National Roman Legion Museum and The Henry Moore Foundation.
Through our 360° virtual tour work, we identified a need to create high-resolution collections photography. This, in turn, led us to establish Museum Collections Photography as a service in its own right.
Registered No: 3969440 England
VAT Registration No: 748 0651 21
We carry £2 million Public Liability Insurance