Hello all,
I am starting to digitize large format materials. I have a camera set up with lights and a tether to the computer. The previous archivist also purchased Capture One software so I can control the camera from the computer.
I'm running into a few issues.

  1.  I have lots of maps on semi transparent paper. I think I've figured out that I need a white board behind them. Does anyone have any other suggestions for photographing maps on thin paper?
  2.  When I turn on the lights from the four side lights, the image looks very washed out. I'm sure there are settings on the camera to correct for this but I really don't know what they are. I know the lights are necessary for even lighting but I'm not sure how to get a good image.
  3.  I need weights to hold down some of the bent/rolled/folded maps. Any suggestions on what I should use? I was looking at book snake weights<https://www.gaylord.com/Preservation/Book-%26-Pamphlet-Preservation/Repair-Tools-%26-Supplies/Other-Tools-%26-Supplies/Book-Snake-Weight/p/51067> but I don't know how heavy they need to be to hold some of the maps that are more curled and stubborn.
Here's a picture of my temporary setup (I didn't have the lights fully positioned or turned on here and I'm using  part of a white box for the backing for the thin map- but hey, we work with what we have!).
If anyone has experience working with digitization, I could really use some advice.
Thanks in advance!
Karina
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Karina Wilhelm
Archivist
SHESC Center for Archaeology and Society Repository
Arizona State University
email: [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>