My apologies if I did not explain the project correctly or use correct terminology. Cody, you are correct that we would like people to be able to digitally turn the trophies around to see all sides while on our online exhibit.
We are open to either the "fancy" 3d object scanning, or the process of taking multiple pictures that will be stitched together to allow a user to "turn" the trophy around 360 degrees to see all sides along one axis. Our web designers were thinking that if we could provide them with 36 images (minimum) of each trophy, a shot taken every 10 degrees on a turn-table, they would then cutout the images into transparent PNGs so they could "stitch" the images together to create the final graphic.
Our trophy collection has proven to be the most challenging items to photograph. For our overall digitization initiative which started in 2017, we have photographed most of our trophy collection. But, only 4-5 images at most per trophy (plates and plaques may only have 1-2 images). Because of the highly reflective surfaces, different shapes and sizes and materials (though about 90% are sterling silver), the time involved to just take the basic high-res photography for collections documentation (or print publication) is astronomical. This is doesn't even consider the amount of Photoshop time to clean-up any unavoidable reflections.
Another issue that needs to be taken into consideration is that fact that a number of the trophies we were hoping to feature "in the round" on the online exhibit are on physical display in our museum. We are not in a position to deprive our permanent displays of the trophies to accommodate an external loan of items for this intensive photography project. Suggestions/recommendations for companies/photographers that could "set up shop" in our museum would be helpful so items are only off view for an hour or two at most. We also are open to studios located in the Southern New England area where our staff could courier/transport the trophies for photography on a day-by-day basis (so as to be able to return the trophies back to their physical exhibit within 24 hours).
All advice, suggestions, recommendations that I can share with the rest of my team are greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
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Nicole Markham
Curator of Collections
International Tennis Hall of Fame
Newport RI
markham@tennisfame.com------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 07-07-2022 10:30 AM
From: Cody Cook
Subject: 360 Degree Photography
You may have to clarify better what you want. Sounds like you want to get your trophies 3d scanned so that they can be digitized and have people be able to look at them and move them around in all directions. There are different ways to scan a 3d object including photogrammetry, which sounds like what you may be looking for. It uses a regular camera typically to merge together a bunch of photos, not a 360 camera.
360 degree photography is a photo that you're able to look in all directions. They are good for displaying what a room or space looks like and making 360 tours.
I'm sure there are plenty of people here who can help with what you are looking for, but your title is aimed at the wrong group I believe. Best of luck with your project.
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Cody Cook
Interpretation Specialist
Kalamazoo Valley Museum
Kalamazoo MI
Original Message:
Sent: 07-06-2022 10:02 AM
From: Nicole Markham
Subject: 360 Degree Photography
Good morning.
The International Tennis Hall of Fame is developing our next online exhibit which will focus on trophies. The plan is to launch this online exhibit this fall. We are hoping to include 360 degree photography/graphics. However, the local vendor we have worked with for other specialty digitization projects (Digital Ark) has come back to us to let us know they unfortunately will be unable to take on this project this year.
Does anyone have any recommendations for studios that can work with these highly reflective objects that range in shape and size? Preferably in the Southern New England area? We are open to having to set up a "studio" on site or to physically transporting the selected trophies to an off-site location. Our web designers are asking for at least 36 images per trophy that can be stitched together. The initial hope was to feature 50-75 trophies in this fashion.
Thanks,
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Nicole Markham
Curator of Collections
International Tennis Hall of Fame
Newport RI
markham@tennisfame.com
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