Next, use a microscope to examine the image and confirm the presence of identifying physical characteristics. Seminar participants experimented with this identification scheme, working in small groups with hand-held 30x microscopes. The identification of photographs is not straightforward. A number of photographic processes share similar characteristics and are difficult to distinguish from one another. Prints from a single process can look very different, and there are occasional exceptions to the rules.
Identification requires a trained eye and comes only with practice.
The Preservation Center has begun to develop a study collection of print type examples that are available for examination. Through her engaging and clear presentation, Ms. Hess Norris provided seminar participants with some fundamental tools for assessing the physical nature of photograph collections. Correct identification ultimately ensures more effective preservation.