Digital photos are the single best
way for us to document and communicate with each other about the type of
antique surgical item or items
you have.
Take as many photos as possible to communicate exactly what you have so it can be
accurately identified. Unlike prints, digitals are free so don't be
stingy. If you are unable to produce digital photos that you can email
to me, then do print photos and email me for my mailing address.
Set your camera for standard or
email quality, which is 640 x 480 or standard to keep the files small. You
are not going to print these, so don't use then large high quality settings
on your camera for these shots. Use the attachment feature on your email
to send the photos. E-mail me for instructions if you don't know how.
It's not a problem. I'm glad to help with this.
Use adequate light.
Use indirect sunlight if possible. Flash is okay if you can't avoid
it.
Please look at your photos after you shoot them to see if they
are in focus and bright enough. If you can't see
it, neither can I. To check, send the photos to
yourself in an email and look at them first to see if
you can see them. If not 'do them over'....please!
Take pictures of the instruments in
the set so the fit of the instrument into the slot is visible. The
slots are specific for a given instrument. Here is an
example page and details on what I
need to see.
If an area is covered by a saw or
tray, shoot first with the saw or tray in place, then again with the cover
removed.
Photo any and all identification
names or marks. Labels are essential if present. You have to be
able to see and read the address on the label. The address is
critical. If you can't get a good photo, then email me the information
you can read.
We need to see all instruments
both in the case and out of the case. Group the instrument together
and photograph the groups.
It is essential that you
get any and all names and cities stamped on the individual instruments.
You may not be able to take a close-up but you can email me the names you
see. Even if you can't make out the whole name, tell me what you see.
Use a magnifying glass if necessary, but it is important to list ALL names
in the set.
Photograph the brass plate on the top of
the case, especially if engraved. Make sure you can read what it says
in the photo.
Take some shots of the latch,
locks, or key
area and the top of the case. It helps to date the case.
Examples of the type of photos I
need to see of your set or instruments
Case showing top,
front, locks, and brass plate
Seeing the maker label
and address is very important
Various photos of the set with each
tray present or removed and all instruments in the proper slots. We
need to know what is there and what is missing.
A removable tray
29 individual pieces make up this set,
group knives, laying them on the sides.
Photograph tourniquet and heavy tissue retractors
(most are imprinted with maker names)
Keep parts together that are in the same
area of the case
Try to get good clear shots of similar
instruments
If possible, shoot examples of the maker markings
found on the instruments, set your camera to 'Macro' for these.
