Knowing how the image will be used is a key skill used to select the photographic method. Often a simple JPEG image will be fine for identifying an item on the collection website. However, a painting may be photographed for fine art printing, where colour and texture are vitally important, and Clod will use RAW format for precise control.
Working conditions can be a challenge too.
It’s not all studio work; sometimes they work high up on scaffolding photographing cracks in buildings. Space can be so tight they cannot see the camera’s viewfinder but they connect the camera to a computer on a long cable and use its screen as a remote viewfinder.
Photographing the Queen Anne bed at Dyrham Park
The bed was as shown to the public, the main frame being complete with the canopy in place, but some of the hangings had been removed from display and were in storage, so not photographed.