Digital imaging services can be found nearly everywhere, but it is attention to detail, as well as the ability to read the characteristics of an image, that prove essential to creating files of the highest quality. In the past, experience and dedication to vintage media printing informed and fine-tuned our negative duplication services. Now, in the arena of digitized images, services offered by the Chicago Albumen Works are informed by a commitment to image quality, longevity, and a client's long term needs.

We work in a calibrated digital environment, making every effort to assure that the resulting files contain accurate image data, that they are produced in accordance with the most current digitizing and metadata standards, and that they are robust enough to fulfill what ever future repurposing needs a client may have.

Digital services at CAW are carried out in a controlled conservation environment, by a staff trained to handle valuable original material, such as:

Photographic prints
Photographic negatives
X-rays
Image pellicles from deteriorated acetate films
Color transparencies
Glass plates and lantern slides
Daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, and tintypes
Maps and drawings
Albums and scrapbooks
Watercolors
Lithographs
Other two-dimensional art work (paintings, etchings, etc.)
Capture and File Processing:
Capture master files using calibrated, profiled input devices (scanners and cameras)
Process captures of photographic negatives for optimal on-screen positive viewing
Preparation of derivative (repurposed) files for reference, printing, database, or web use
Digital repair and reconstruction of damaged photographs and artwork
Color restoration of faded color transparencies
Deliverables:
High resolution Master Files suitable for any repurposing
Production Master Files to NARA guidelines for general archiving use
Duplicate and/or copy negatives from digital files via LVT film recorder
Duplicate transparencies via LVT film recorder
Exhibition quality ink jet prints using archival inks on museum quality papers
All files delivered on gold archive CD/DVD or hard drive
For a list of the equipment in use at CAW, click here: