Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


bgsu1131398443.pdf (749.6 KB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

ARCHIVING THE DIGITAL IMAGE: TODAY'S BEST PRACTICES OF FILE PREPARATION

Frank, Wiewandt Edward
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1131398443

Abstract Details

2005, Master of Education (MEd), Bowling Green State University, Career and Technology Education/Technology.
Unlike images created with traditional film-based technology, those created in today’s digital environment run the risk of being lost to future generations because there are no universally practiced standards for archiving them. Photographers must make decisions concerning this critical step with few sources of information to guide them. This study is intended to present the current best practices of four professional photographer/educators in an effort to present proven, if only temporary, solutions to this problem. Qualitative research methods were used for this descriptive study. Participant interviews were used to collect the data. Subject matter experts were found by searching moderated Internet forums for candidates demonstrating a high level of experience in the field of digital imaging, the ability to articulate their views, and a willingness to share their knowledge. Additional screening of potential participants was accomplished by visiting individual’s websites to gain further evidence of their professionalism. Four candidates were approached for the study, and all agreed to participate. The participants reported using digital technology almost exclusively to capture their images. Also, every job was delivered digitally to clients. This data demonstrates the pervasiveness of digital technology in today’s photography marketplace. Each participant had his own method of archiving digital image files based upon his business model and workflow. They disagreed about the viability of RAW file formats for archival use. RAW file formats leave the imaging sensor data intact rather than converting it in-camera to one of several commonly used file formats. Unfortunately each manufacturer uses proprietary data in the RAW files from its cameras making it unreadable to all but its own imaging software. The majority of images being created today by professional photographers are digital. This ever-expanding body of work needs to be protected from becoming digital technology “orphans.” Until industry standards evolve, it is increasingly important for photographers to take precautions when archiving digital image files. Even though there is no singular method of file preparation for digital image archiving, the practices outlined by the participants of this study are a good place to start.
Gene Poor (Advisor)
51 p.
Education, Technology
ARCHIVING; Photographers; RAW file; image files; FILE; DIGITAL; digital imaging

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Frank, W. E. (2005). ARCHIVING THE DIGITAL IMAGE: TODAY'S BEST PRACTICES OF FILE PREPARATION [Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1131398443

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Frank, Wiewandt. ARCHIVING THE DIGITAL IMAGE: TODAY'S BEST PRACTICES OF FILE PREPARATION. 2005. Bowling Green State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1131398443.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Frank, Wiewandt. "ARCHIVING THE DIGITAL IMAGE: TODAY'S BEST PRACTICES OF FILE PREPARATION." Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University, 2005. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1131398443

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

bgsu1131398443
2,652
© 2005, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Bowling Green State University and OhioLINK.