Nicholas,
This is a great question! I would suggest that perhaps the most time/cost effective option might be to look around for a photographer in the area who does product photography or find a photographer/ art professor at a local college/university, and ask if they would come in to help you access your space, and develop strategies based on your budget. I think that The Chrysler Museum of Art is nearby you, I bet they have an on-staff photographer (or someone they use regularly) who you could ask. People love to help.
Going the route of an college instructor is that you can offer them a small honorarium for their time and they can also add this to their service component of their position. Most studio artists (at least of my generation) are trained to photograph their own artwork (though not as well as a good photographer). A well-trained product photographer should know what appropriate equipment that will provide consistent, clear, photography that serves your needs plus a bit. They should be able to teach you a few very useful tricks in the course of a day or two.
I did this at a previous job many years ago, and the benefits were unexpected: We came up with a multi-year budget for proper equipment of each photograph, learned how to use the equipment efficiently, and carved out a dedicated photography space all of this generated some spectacular results. First, our images were sharper and truer to color, which helped with documenting object condition. Second the whole process from setup to photoshop was quicker and smoother. Third, the images made our online collection catalog look way more professional. Finally, they were actually good enough that we could use them for ads, or PR images– saving the museum money and the headache of bringing someone in.
Anyways, hope that helps!
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Andie Near
Museum Registrar
Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum
Columbus OH
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-19-2026 04:16 PM
From: Nicholas Wieman
Subject: Classes/Professional Development Resources for Taking Catalog Photographs?
Hello all,
Following up from the previous thread I made about taking photographs, I was wondering if anyone could recommend any courses or Professional Development resources that focus specifically on taking photographs for catalog records?
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Nicholas Wieman
Educator
Hampton Roads Naval Museum
Norfolk VA
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