Digital Imaging Workflows

Having managed the digitization of millions of objects in our own studio as well as our clients' production studios, we have developed a unique expertise to assess and improve workflows.

Workflow Optimization

Workflows can be simple or complex, and we understand them all. Let us help you get the most productivity and quality from your people and equipment. We will make workflow maps of your existing procedures and make recommendations for increased efficiency and higher quality based on best practices. This often results in cost savings.

Best Practices

Best practices for digital imaging have evolved over the years as institutions have gained more experience with digitization projects of all sizes. We can help decide what practices are best suited for your needs, and provide specific recommendations that can be used for planning as well as grant applications.

Non-Destructive Imaging

Until recently, most image processing work was of a destructive nature. For example, use of Adobe Photoshop software to modify the color, brightness, sharpness or size of an image resulted in overwriting the original image file. Without saving multiple versions of the file, there was no way to "go back" to a previous state, whether that is the original, unedited file, or some variation along the way. Now, with programs like Adobe Lightroom and Apple Aperture, every change made to the file is saved as metadata with the file. The programs show a preview of the file in its current state, but save all the steps that are done in processing. Anyone who opens that file (in Lightroom or Aperture) can go back and change the settings without risk of permanently overwriting it. Each program allows a version to be exported in any desired file format, and that file will include all the changes made.

This concept represents a new best practice for image processing since the original file can be archived within the same workflow that allows for adjustments to be made. 

We have helped a number of institutions make the transition to non-destructive imaging.

Rapid Capture

Evolving technology has enabled extremely rapid, high quality scanning. Rapid Capture reduces costs and increases productivity substantially. We pioneered a number of these workflows and use them in our own studios, as well as train clients to implement them.

Training

We provide training in all aspects of digital imaging. This is done both onsite at a client's facility, and electronically through email and remote desktops. Training includes operation of photographic and digital imaging equipment, software, and image processing; both traditional and non-destructive.