Nov 11, 2013 Art & Collection This is where the prep work begins, to ensure we have everything ready to go before Edward arrives. Step one, obviously enough, is to decide on the objects we need reproductions of. For this specific photo shoot our focus was pretty expansive: the entire Alfred Stieglitz Collection. All 101 objects needed to be documented! Associate Registrar, Jennifer De Martino, uses The Museum System (TMS), our art database, to gather information about the objects and create a rough shooting order. The goal is to create a list that keeps the session moving and limits the need to change the staging for the objects between each shot. First, we group the objects by their classification: the paintings, prints, and other two-dimensional objects are separated from the sculptures. Next, we use the object dimensions to group art by size, moving smallest to biggest, so that the photographer doesn’t have to readjust his equipment for every single shot. Three-dimensional objects and sculptures are sometimes unable to stand on their own. Our preparators work with each object to create a sleek yet strong mount that will secure the work during the photo-shoot. Some works on paper are “float mounted,” meaning we can see all the way to the edge of the work and nothing is cropped by a frame. However, any works that are partially covered by a frame need to be unframed so that the photographer can capture the entire work. At this point we assess the stability of each work and group them accordingly. If the work has a strong backing-board, then it can be set up on an easel, but if it’s too flimsy we will use a wedge to prop up the work as best we can. Our amazing preparators tag-team this process—removing each artwork from the hanging storage racks, carefully unframing it, and then staging the work on the easel. Then the whole process starts over in reverse: reframe, rehang…WHEW! We couldn’t complete the photo-shoot without all their hard work! So—next time you are perusing a brochure or article that features photographs of the artworks in our collection, remember how much time and effort has gone into capturing these simple images!
