"Double Take" Series Presented By The Library Of Congress: Lecture #3

Today's is third of four posts where I review my notes and take-aways from the "Double Take" webinar series presented by The Library Of Congress on picture identification and exploration. Check out the PICTURE THIS blog from the LOC, which is serving as a platform. Also, check out the notes from the first and second lectures in this series. 

Lecture Title:
When Was This Photograph Taken? 

Presented By: 
Kristi Finefield, Reference Specialist, Prints and Photographs Division

Notes:
When looking at new photographs for use/identification etc
    Use source information from/on the photograph
        Copyrights
        Writing on the front or the back 
        Event of the photograph
    Use context or outside information
        Life dates of the sitter 
        Photographic process- tin-type, ethc 
        Research 
    Use context clues from the what is in the photograph
       Technology in the picture
       Location of the picture
       Clothing and hair styles
       Buildings or landmarks 
Always
    Zoom in 
    Look closely- the front and the black of the photograph
    Make notes of the usual and unusual 
    Take notes on what is in the photograph 
USE CLUES TO FURTHER RESEARCH 

Summary: 
Using a variety of different photographs, and accessing prior or researched knowledge we learned how to approach dating photographs. As with the other lectures in the series it is stressed that the viewer use everything from the picture they can glean, THEN begin filling in gaps with research. Like always, using questions to help fuel the search. 


Comments