We had a fascinating talk from Claire Viskovic (yes, Alison’s daughter) last Monday night, all about the Imaging Services at the Turnbull Library (part of the National Library of New Zealand).  She talked about the work they do, and the evolving systems for making images of the collection, which have moved on from very basic cameras and scanners to a Phase One IQ180. This has a sensor size of 53.7 by 40.4 mm and can capture a 10328 by 7760 pixel image.

Claire showed many beautiful and interesting examples, including the fore-edge painting and gilding on the covers of old books:

One of the largest items they have captured is the “Chronological Tree” of New Zealand history, written and drawn in incredible detail By James KcKain Meek in around 1876. It was digitally captured in 13 pieces and stitched together partly using Photoshop, but partly by hand.

The result can be seen online via this link and viewed in great detail here.

All the image files are saved as TIFFs.  Many items are available to view and download via the National Library Collections website at http://natlib.govt.nz/collections.

It was a very interesting talk and insight into the work done by the team – thanks Claire.

Rules About Taking Photos in a Public Place in New Zealand

From time to time there is discussion about this.  The NZ Police have a very clear set of guidelines on their website here, which are repeated below:

It is generally lawful to take photographs of people in public places without their consent. However, you must not film or take photos of people if they are in a place where they can expect privacy (such as a public changing area or toilet) and that person:

• is naked, in underclothes, showering, toileting etc
• is unaware of being filmed or photographed
• has not given consent to be filmed or photographed.

You should not take photos of people if:

• they are in a place where they would expect reasonable privacy and publication would be highly offensive to an objective and reasonable person
• it has potential to stop other people’s use and enjoyment of the same place
• you have no legitimate reason for taking the film or photos.

However, you can take and/or publish photos or film of people where there is no expectation of privacy, such as a beach, shopping mall, park or other public place.

Creative Focus 2014 Competition

Congratulations to KCPS member Jo Goudsblom who had an acceptance in the Fusion section of this recent competition, with her image “Remembering the Fallen”.