The Uses of Photomicroscopy for Specimens in Museums

Summary

Do you have a collection of tiny teeth, bones or seeds?? Photomicroscopy might be for you!

This poster demonstrates the results of a four month contract position to digitize a small section of the Quaternary Palaeontology’s collections at the Royal Alberta Museum in 2013/14. Photomicroscopy is an effective, non-invasive digitization technique for museums and educational institutions to be able to expand the accessibility of collections for display and education purposes. Taking several photos of specimens using a DSLR camera and microscope at multiple focal ranges followed by stacking a small number of photos produces a high resolution photo. The stacking process revealed details not easily noticed when taking a single shot. Later versions of Photoshop or free, open access photo stacking software allows for a high quality photo with minimal time spent in post-production. Many different types of microscopic specimens and artefacts can be digitized using this technique.

This technique allows a museums’ professional or volunteer to be able to take thousands of photos and then process them for a clear and detailed photo.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 82nd Annual Meeting, Vancouver, BC (2017)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 17242