Each image featured in the GALLERY was scanned directly from the original glass slide using a transparent lid scanner (EPSON PERFECTION V700 PHOTO). Unlike traditional scanners that can only project light from the scanner bed, a scanner with a built-in transparent lid gives the user the option to use back lighting (like a light box) to illuminate reflective transparent images. The usage of back lighting allows the full detail and vibrancy of the glass slide image to be captured while eliminating any issue of reflection or glare off the glass cover plate.
After a scan is complete, the high-resolution digital image is then carefully processed to remove dust, scratches and other imperfections present on the original slide. All slides in this collection are in good condition and only require light digital touch-up once scanned. The objective is not to remove every speck of dust and minor flaw, but to remove only that which is deemed visually distracting or compromising to the integrity of the image. The philosophy is that the slight imperfections and inconsistencies associated with glass plate photography are part of the antiquity and charm of the original product.
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It is important that these images retain their original characteristics: ie. highlights, mid-tones, shadows, colors, saturation, depth of field, warmth, grain, vignettes, etc. It is for this reason that we do not digitally adjust individual areas of color or tone within a particular image. The only contrast and color/tone adjustments that may be applied are done so across an entire image. Since digital scans in rare cases exaggerate or misinterpret true contrast and tone, certain color-correction techniques may be mindfully utilized simply as a means to represent a slide true to its original appearance. Individual areas of an image are re-touched only where damage has occurred to the original slide. With exception to contrast adjustment on more faded images, no significant alterations have been made to these images.
In the very rare case where a scanned slide is more heavily altered, the specific alteration/s made to the scan will be disclosed fully in the image details. This may include but is not limited to, bringing a color slide into black & white, extreme cropping, moderately adjusting contrast levels, etc. Sometimes alternations like these are necessary in order to create visual continuity between multi-image single prints or a print series. While these practices are not ideal, in rare cases they must be employed. All significant alterations are fully disclosed, so that the viewer knows exactly what is original to the image and what has been changed.
The intention is to present these slides as close as possible to how they appeared when they were first created and published to the world. Our philosophy is to best represent the original artistic works and not embellish or otherwise add to the original product. The aim is not to highlight the capabilities of digital technology, but rather, to exhibit the inherent capabilities and overall beauty of the antique dry plate medium and the glass lantern slide format in particular. The original images speak for themselves and rarely need any enhancement. |