The Digital Conversion Unit (DCU) recently acquired a new setup that will allow for the digital capture of 3D objects, realia, and ephemera. The new equipment will create museum quality photos of 3D objects to be included in the Library's digital collections. The normal lighting setup has two banks of stationary lights providing illumination from both sides. This works well for books, posters, and flat media by providing uniform lighting across the flat surface, but is unflattering for 3D objects. The new setup, pictured below, includes mobile lights, shades, and a background screen, making it possible to photograph 3D objects to best effect. The lights and shades can be repositioned to illuminate objects from different angles, and allows the photographer to separate and control front vs. back illumination. The screen can adjusted to create a shallow or deep space behind the object, as needed.
The setup is already in place and has allowed DCU to photograph various 3D objects from library collections. Below is an example of an item from the Jewish Heritage Collection Dedicated to Mark and Dave Harris using the new equipment.
For more information about the setup, please contact Larry Wentzel, Digital Conversion Production Manager, DCU.