Museums today face a dual challenge: preserving physical objects for eternity while making them instantly accessible to a global digital audience. Standard photography is no longer enough.
I partner with institutions to create preservation-grade digital surrogates. These are files so chemically and spatially accurate that they can be used for scientific analysis, reducing the need to handle fragile originals. My workflow strictly adheres to FADGI 4-Star, Metamorfoze, and ISO 19264standards.
Archival-quality digitization of vast collections and archives
Efficient documentation of large collections using fixed imaging setups, live metadata capture, and repeatable workflows aligned with museum standards.
execute museum-grade digitization workflows that transform physical artworks and artifacts into accurate, structured, and long-term digital assets.
Advanced computational techniques that reveal the invisible
For oversized maps, tapestries, or murals, a single capture is insufficient. I utilize robotic panoramic heads to capture hundreds of high-magnification macro tiles. These are algorithmically stitched into a single Gigapixel image(1,000MP+).
Ultraviolet (UV) Fluorescence: Captures the glow of organic materials (mold, varnish, adhesives) to map restoration history.Infrared (IR) Reflectography: Penetrates surface pigments to reveal carbon-based under-drawings or sketches hidden beneath the paint.
The camera remains fixed while light is projected from various angles around the object. The software compiles a surface map that allows the user to "move" the virtual light source on their screen.
A specialized lighting setup removes reflections and shadows, delivering evenly lit, high-resolution, color-calibrated images.
Advanced computational techniques that reveal the invisible
For oversized maps, tapestries, or murals, a single capture is insufficient. I utilize robotic panoramic heads to capture hundreds of high-magnification macro tiles. These are algorithmically stitched into a single Gigapixel image(1,000MP+).
Ultraviolet (UV) Fluorescence: Captures the glow of organic materials (mold, varnish, adhesives) to map restoration history.Infrared (IR) Reflectography: Penetrates surface pigments to reveal carbon-based under-drawings or sketches hidden beneath the paint.
The camera remains fixed while light is projected from various angles around the object. The software compiles a surface map that allows the user to "move" the virtual light source on their screen.
A specialized lighting setup removes reflections and shadows, delivering evenly lit, high-resolution, color-calibrated images.
Documentation of museum interiors, spatial design, and window displays
Macro photography often suffers from shallow depth of field. I employ automated focus bracketing, capturing up to 100 "slices" of focus per object. These are merged to create an image with infinite depth of field.
Multiple calibrated photographs are taken from all angles around the object. Specialized software reconstructs these images into a precise 3D model with accurate geometry and high-fidelity texture.
Documentation of museum interiors, spatial design, and window displays
Multiple calibrated photographs are taken from all angles around the object. Specialized software reconstructs these images into a precise 3D model with accurate geometry and high-fidelity texture.
Photographer & Art Digitization Specialist
Documenting and photographing art, antiquities, collectibles, and contemporary designs.
Services are provided by Quest Imaging, a registered company in Amsterdam since 2019, specializing in high-end photography and digitization.
© Copyright 2025 George Shahda
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