Image production
Our role
The State Library of Queensland's image production staff apply a range photographic techniques involving traditional and digital processes to preserve and make accessible the pictorial and heritage collections of Queensland. We also build on the State Library's historical collections by photographing locations and events to form a pictorial record.
Original materials made accessible include:
- photographs
- glass plate negatives
- lantern slides
- photographic albums
- maps
- art works
- paintings.
Locations and events are photographed because:
- they are historically important
- they are culturally significant
- they risk being lost or removed from location
- they are unique to Queensland
- the event or happening is unlikely to be repeated.
Our photographers are skilled in traditional and modern digital photographic techniques and their work adheres to recognised archival standards. This ensures the preservation of, and future access to, the State Library's pictorial and heritage collections.
Original material photography
Traditional black and white photography | Digital photography | Locations and events
Traditional black and white
While many institutions move away from traditional photography, the State Library continues to produce black and white negatives and prints. These are produced by hand in our darkroom.
This is undertaken because:
- black and white prints and negatives are a recognised and accepted archival format for images
- there is a need to preserve the original image from early photographic materials and paper-based prints which have become unstable and have started to deteriorate
- it is the best way to reformat an image for safe and future use (i.e. early black and white negatives on glass, acetate or nitrate based film).
Deteriorated cellulose acetate negative
Deteriorated glass negative
Photographer Josie accessing photographic negatives.
When a photographic negative is produced this becomes the preservation master version of the original image. The masters are placed in archival enclosures and stored in climate-controlled repositories.
Digital
Digital photography and scanning is a useful tool for capturing artworks, original objects, and published materials such as newspapers and ephemera.
It is particularly valuable for:
- allowing access to rare and restricted material online
- documenting the 'look and feel'of an object in colour
- producing a digital archive of material and allowing online reference to these from regional locations.
Digital photographic techniques can also be useful when the original material has been damaged or has deteriorated. The digitised copy can be 'repaired' to show how the item would have looked originally. However, as a general rule this is not carried out on the digital versions of the State Library's heritage collection material, thereby preserving the integrity of those original images.
Before
After
Locations and events
Happy snap shot of seven Ethiopian Bahil dancers at
Queensland Multicultural Festival, Brisbane, 2009.
Image number: 27382-0001-0173 [new window]
Chris Bailey from Brisbane band The Saints, Brisbane, July 2007.
Image number: 7336-0001-03147336-0001-0314 [new window]
Events of historical importance are photographed and kept as a record of:
- official openings of places, events and exhibitions
- cultural displays and celebrations
- concerts and entertainment
- civil and military displays
- visits by distinguished dignitaries.
Locations and landmarks in Queensland are photographed in order to create a record of how these places look now, compared to the past. This is especially important when there is a risk of these locations or landmarks changing dramatically or disappearing entirely in the future.
Areas encompass:
- creation of parklands or public spaces
- construction of important buildings and venues
- demolition and redevelopment of a location.
State Library of Queensland and Gallery of Modern Art redevelopment
Kurilpa Bridge construction
The abandoned Acland Mine
More information
- Telephone: +61 7 3840 7778
- Fax: +61 7 3842 9060
- Mail: Collection Preservation PO Box 3488 South Brisbane 4101
- Email: imageproductionunit@slq.qld.gov.au
- Ask us
- Visit us
Last updated: 23rd March 2011
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