The copystand is a commonly used device that securely supports a stills camera above a two-dimensional original object. Copystands might be used in libraries, archives or anywhere where there is a need to digitise large 2D objects. This document is an introduction to the copystand and how to use it.
Read full advice document...GIMP is a free open source image editing program. It has a comprehensive set of tools comparable to those available in commercial software such as Adobe Photoshop. GIMP can help you with simple and advanced image editing tasks. This document will look at the GIMP features that are of most use to those wanting to edit images for use in teaching and research.
Read full advice document...As technology has improved digital cameras have become more and more portable. Smaller and more ergonomic cameras have made digital photography more practical - however, there are times when it is preferable to use a more static system with camera and computer connected. This is known as tethered camera operation. This document is aimed at anyone who might need to operate their camera from a distance, in an awkward position or wants to preview the image on a high quality computer screen.
Read full advice document...You don’t need Photoshop if you want to edit your digital images. There are now countless alternatives - this advice document looks at free-to-use online image editors which let you work on images via your internet browser. As these free image editors are web-based, you don’t need to install anything on your computer.
Read full advice document...This advice document looks at the process of converting printed type into a computer readable format. In the 1950s the first commercial optical character recognition (OCR) applications appeared, however it wasn’t until the early 1990s that ‘off the shelf’ products were made available. This document looks at the OCR process and how the condition of the original document and the capture technique can affect the quality of the digital output.
Read full advice document...Scanners and digital cameras are the most commonly used devices for capturing still images; the digital files they create fit seamlessly into the modern workflow. This document looks at scanners and digital cameras and how they can be used to capture non-typical objects. In this document we look at a range of different objects and how we can capture them with a camera or scanner and a few accessories.
Read full advice document...Most modern digital stills cameras have built in flashes, however these do not always produce a pleasing light, have a limited range and the flash can be distracting in some situations. Professional photographers normally like to have complete control over lighting in order to produce the highest quality images. It is however possible to produce high quality images without the cameras built in flash or in situations where you do not have total control over the lighting. Available or ambient light is the light in the scene before the photographer starts work and this FAQ document looks at common problems associated with available light and how to overcome them. You may also be interested in our Light Sources for Still and Moving Images advice document.
Read full advice document...Digital cameras come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, this document details the different technologies used to capture a digital image. This paper also covers the features that a user should consider before choosing a digital camera.
Read full advice document...This is a list of books, papers, magazines, journals, online publications and mailing lists that JISC Digital Media thinks are useful to keep up to date with developments in digital imaging.
Read full advice document...Over recent years the price of digital cameras has tumbled while there has been a corresponding improvement in image quality. Compact digital cameras are compact flexible devices that work well in the modern workflow. This document provides an introduction to the compact camera and how to get the most from it.
Read full advice document...Digital SLR cameras have improved dramatically over recent years, they have also become much cheaper. Consumers can now buy an entry level digital SLR for around the same price as a top of the range compact. This paper explains the difference between a digital compact and digital SLR and shows how to get the most out of this type of camera.
Read full advice document...The Raw file format is the native format offered by most digital SLR cameras. The format can offer greater levels of control over the conversion of capture data to more widely accepted formats such as TIFF or JPEG formats. This document is an introduction to the format and how to make use of it.
Read full advice document...There are many factors that need to be considered before and during a photographic session, this document provides a set of guidelines which will assist in planning a photographic project.
Read full advice document...Frequently asked questions about Model Release.
Read full advice document...This document looks at the camera lens (stills or video) and how it contributes to the quality of the photographic image. It describes the component parts of the lens and how they contribute to the final image. The document should also help the reader to select a specific lens for a task.
Read full advice document...The word photography means drawing with light, without light it is impossible to record a video or still image. So lighting whether in a classroom, office or dedicated photographic studio is an essential component in a photograph or video. The captured image is a record of the light that is emitted, reflected or absorbed by the subject. With a basic understanding of light and how it can be modified the photographer or filmmaker should be able to improve the appearance of their images. This document will look at commonly used light sources and how the user can get the most from them.
Read full advice document...One of the easiest ways to improve the quality of still or moving images is by using a support. Supports and stands can reduce or eliminate vibration or movement which otherwise would degrade the quality of the captured media. Supports come in all shapes and sizes: this document looks at a variety of support types including tripods, copy-stands, clamps and brackets as well as improvised solutions.
Read full advice document...Is your collection of images disorganised and giving you a headache? Are you drowning in digital images and unable to find the images you need, when you need them? Do you find images you want to use but have no idea who owns the copyright? If so, this course will help you get your collection back on track.
Being able to manage a digital image workflow is a vital skill for both individuals and institutions in today’s market place. On this course you will consider a workflow from the ground up. You will work with a series of images looking at the essential elements of managing them through their lifecycle. File formats including raw will be both discussed and used, and you will get hands-on experience of using applications including Adobe Photoshop Lightroom to both edit and manage your images. You will look at methods for sorting through and prioritising images, managing versions and learn how to use appropriate metadata to maximise the value of your collection. Ultimately you will be able to find the right images for a given scenario, and then produce image content appropriate for onscreen and print use.
Read course description...This action packed course looks in depth at using a digital SLR's creative controls to put you in charge of your photography. You will also have plenty of hands-on practice with the camera and be shown how to effectively illuminate 2D and 3D objects using tungsten and fluorescent studio lighting.
Read course description...Effective colour management is vital within the digital workflow and anyone working with digital images should understand and be employing the core principles. This training course introduces colour management theory and ‘good practice’ to ensure that you understand how to achieve consistent and accurate colour between applications, platforms, and devices.
Read course description...This entry level course will provide you with an understanding of the techniques and skills needed to produce great quality images from a digital SLR camera with ease. Some illuminating background theory will be supported by hands-on practical exercises in photography.
Read course description...This course looks at the technical background behind, and procedures for, image capture and optimisation delivered through hands-on activities. This workshop will teach you how to produce the correct end product for your intended purpose and teach you the easy 'science' of scanning to remove the guesswork from your image capture.
Read course description...This entry level course provides an easy to understand theoretical overview of digital images and image capture combined with practical exercises using both a scanner and digital SLR camera for those getting started with creating digital images.
Read course description...Digital SLRs are increasingly being used to capture 2D objects which until recently would have been digitised using a scanner. Recognising the increasing use of the copystand we have just published a new document which explains what it is and how to use it is used: The Copystand.
Read blog entry...Following our recent guide to free online image editors, we have updated our Introduction to GIMP Image Editing Software.
Read blog entry...Photoshop was in the news last week - as the tool used by a BP photographer to alter images for use on its website.
Read blog entry...We have just published a new advice document on Tethered Camera Operation.
Read blog entry...We’ve just published our latest advice document on Free Online Image Editors.
Read blog entry...Once you have produced a collection of multimedia resources, it is typical to hope that many people will visit and view said resources.
Read blog entry...We have just released a new introductory document on lenses, it describes the main components of the lens and what you should consider before choosing a lens for a task.
Read blog entry...One of the key tools needed to produce resources is the use of various workflows.
Read blog entry...Optical Character Recognition (OCR) is the process of converting printed text into a computer readable format.
Read blog entry...Adobe have just announced that they will be launching their new version of Photoshop CS5 (PDF) which will be available around the same time as we will be releasing our new document on camera lenses.
Read blog entry...Eye-fi have recently released their new (and the first ever) range of memory cards fitted with wireless technology that allows you to upload photos and videos directly to your computer or the web.
Read blog entry...Of the very many photography apps for the iPhone that exist, two have struck me as particularly nice, DOFMaster and DSLR Camera Remote Professional Edition.
Read blog entry...In 2008 the Polaroid Corporation stopped manufacturing their instant film products.
Read blog entry...There’s a very interesting article in Creative COW about the Canon 5D Mk II, a very advanced digital SLR (or HDSLR) that the author has been using to shoot video with.
Read blog entry...We have just published a new advice document on scanning and photography.
Read blog entry...Google has acquired Picnik an online photo editing site.
Read blog entry...Local usability consultancy Cx partners have a thought provoking take on the power of photos to enhance your resources.

We have just released a new advice document looking at the different materials used to make film for stills and moving images.
Read blog entry...We have just released two advice documents which cover lighting for stills and video production.
Read blog entry...Photographer James Balog is using over 30 time lapse cameras to document global ice loss caused by climate change.
Read blog entry...The new layout for Flickr search results is now live.
Read blog entry...The keen-eyed among you will have already noticed we have just released details of our new training programme for September to December.
Read blog entry...Ever been shooting still images or video and wondered, “How can I possibly provide a steady support for my camera here?”
Read blog entry...To reflect recent developments in digital camera technology we have updated the Digital Camera paper.
Read blog entry...A great piece of timelapse/tilt-shift video.
Read blog entry...Yesterday lunchtime a few of us got back to basics learning a little more about pinhole photography.
Read blog entry...The French photographer, JR has created a huge photographic installation on the rooftops of houses and on the sides of trains that pass through a large Kenyan slum.
Read blog entry...Do you think that there has been an increase in the amount of legislation introduced which has curbed individual freedom?
Read blog entry...In November, Red Digital Cinema announced their new range of cameras which are expected to be available between this spring and the summer of 2010. “Range of cameras” isn’t quite accurate, as Red have adopted a completely modular approach. It includes two of what Red refers to as Brains, the sensing and capturing core of the system. These are called Scarlet and Epic and are accompanied by an almost mind-boggling list of performance specs.
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