Working with Your Pictures

Photographic File FormatsWhat Is With All These File Formats?
There are many file formats used in digital graphics, but we recommend you work with the best two traditional file formats: TIF and JPG.
Objective: To familiarize yourself with the uses, benefits, and conversion of TIF and JPG.

A PinpointWhen Is It a Dot, When Is It a Pixel?
Whether a picture is on paper or monitor, the picture itself is made up of discrete points.What are these points, and what is their relevance?
Objective: To understand dots and pixels and be able to size and save the file in the correct format.

Scanning PhotographsGet the Picture!
Preservation of historical photographs requires a digital backup, with this backup becoming a stand-in for the original. This digital file is created electronically with a scanner and computer, a simple process although you should be aware of the mechanics underlying it.
Objective: Learn how to scan a picture and save it as a master.

Retouching PhotographsNeeding an Improved Picture!
Photographic retouching should not be done on historic pictures — a rip or crack in the picture is as valid an indicator of age as the faces and dress in the picture. Nevertheless, there are some applications where the value of a picture is improved by a minor retouching.
Objective: Learn how and when to retouch a historic photograph.

Hints on Preservation of Photographs, by Paul Schlotthauer
Objective: Learn and use the needs of historic photographs.

Possible Forthcoming Topics
Feedback from you needed!