| Day |
Session |
Title |
Description |
Instructor |
|
INTRO
10 – 10:30 AM |
Class intro |
Take this opportunity to connect with your peers and gain insights into what exciting adventures await you this week. |
|
| Mon |
1
10:30 – 11:45 AM |
From Caves to Cyber |
We delve into the fascinating journey of imaging, from the primal expressions of cave drawings to the cutting-edge realms of augmented reality. Our exploration begins in the dimly lit caves of our ancestors, where the first known images were created. We examine these primal expressions, pondering their purpose and the stories they aim to convey. As we move forward in time, we traverse the rich tapestry of human history, observing how images evolved in tandem with civilization. The class will cover pivotal moments, such as the invention of the camera obscura, leading to the birth of photography. We examine how the introduction of color and digital technology revolutionized our perception and creation of images. The journey will not stop there; we delve into the digital age, exploring how computers and the internet have transformed images from static pictures into dynamic, interactive experiences. Our final destination is the realm of augmented reality, where the physical and digital worlds blend, creating immersive experiences that were once the realm of science fiction. Throughout the class, we emphasize images’ central role in storytelling and cultural and emotional exchange. We’ll use a mix of lectures, interactive discussions, and hands-on experiences to understand how each phase in the evolution of imaging technology has expanded our ability to communicate and share our stories with loved ones and the world. Join us for this fascinating journey. |
Voight |
|
2
12:00 – 1:15 PM |
Deciphering History: A Guide to Photo Dating Techniques in Family Photography. |
Photo dating techniques are essential for understanding and interpreting family photographs. These techniques revolve around examining various clues embedded within photographs, ranging from the format of the photo to the details of the subjects’ attire. Who: The individuals in the photograph can be identified or inferred by examining their clothing, hairstyles, and accessories. These elements often align with specific time periods or cultural contexts, offering hints about the people’s identity and background. What: The photograph’s content, including the setting, objects, and activities, can provide context. Where: The location where a photo was taken can sometimes be determined by analyzing the background scenery, architectural styles, or studio backdrops. When: Determining the time period of a photo involves analyzing the photographic format (such as daguerreotypes, tintypes, or paper prints), the style of the photograph, and the fashion trends depicted.
Why: Understanding why a photo was taken can offer deeper insight into family history and social customs. By meticulously studying these aspects, one can uncover the rich stories and historical context behind family photographs, bringing ancestors and their experiences to life. |
Taylor |
|
3
2:15 – 3:30 PM |
Researching Photographers: Individuals, Studios, and Amateurs |
Researching historical photographers involves examining both their lives and work through various sources. Start with basic biographical details, then delve into primary sources like original photographs and personal writings to understand their creative process. Secondary sources, including books and documentaries, offer critical perspectives on their impact within photographic and cultural history. Networking with experts and engaging in photographic history communities can enrich research. Digital resources, including AI tools, also play a crucial role, offering extensive information and connecting researchers globally. |
Taylor |
|
4
3:45 – 5 PM |
Revitalizing Memories: Image Enhancement with Vivid-Pix Software |
A session designed to breathe new life into your cherished photographs. Throughout the class, participants will explore the transformative power of image improvement, learning how to combat the ravages of time on their precious snapshots. Whether it’s fading caused by exposure to light, heat, or humidity or simply the toll taken by the environment, Rick will guide you through the process of photo restoration. With a blend of professional techniques and user-friendly software, this class offers a hands-on experience that empowers you to restore your photographs to their former glory. Rick will introduce you to the intuitive Vivid-Pix software, tools that simplify the restoration and story capture process, making it accessible to novices, technology-challenged, and experienced users alike. Participants will engage in practical tasks, utilizing Restore software to adjust color, contrast, and clarity, thereby salvaging images that once seemed beyond repair, and Memory Station software to capture stories easily. By the end of the session, you will have the knowledge to preserve your family history and the skills to enhance the visual and audio narrative of your life’s moments. |
Voight |
| Tue |
5
10:30 – 11:45 AM |
“Reviving Memories: The Joy of Photo Reunions” |
Family, Class, and Military Reunions offer a unique blend of genealogy and nostalgia, serving as a cherished gathering for family historians, friends, and relatives alike. These events, often incorporated into reunions or special gatherings, are centered around the presentation of history through photographs. They offer a tangible connection to the past, bringing to life faces and stories. In the instance of family reunions, the process typically starts with a simple request within the family network for old photographs. This often results in a trove of images, each with its own backstory, eagerly shared for digital scanning. The true magic happens during scan events, interactive sessions held at reunions where family members come together to scan, restore, and record the stories behind each photograph. As pictures are digitized, relatives can share their memories and reminisce about the moments captured. This not only helps preserve the visual legacy of a family but also strengthens bonds as stories are passed down and new memories are made. Through these lively exchanges, the photographs gain new life, with their narratives enriched by the family’s collective memory. Photo Reunions thus become more than just a methodical archiving of the past; they transform into a celebration of heritage, an educational journey, and a heartfelt tribute to the ancestors who shaped the present. |
Alzo |
|
6
12 – 1:15 PM |
Reviving Memories: Mastering Image Science and Restoration |
Discover the magic of photo restoration. Explore the anatomy of photos from a scientific perspective, understanding black and white and color images, various color spaces, and the degradation process. Learn about the culprits behind photo deterioration, like time, sunlight, and moisture, and delve into mechanisms causing fading. Uncover techniques to revive damaged photos through contrast and color balance adjustments, saturation enhancements, and resolution improvements. Gain insights into preserving your cherished memories in optimal conditions. |
Fredlund |
|
7
2:15 – 3:30 PM |
Working with Curled and Rolled Prints: From Rehumidifying to Digitizing and Beyond |
The popularity of panorama prints in 20th-century photography creates unique challenges for photo historians. The session will explore the history and scope of these interesting photos – sometimes
known as banquet photos, rolled prints, or panoramas — and present techniques for safely rehumidifying and relaxing dry, brittle prints so they can be used in photo research. Options for digitizing these oversized photographs will also be discussed, with ideas for creating new prints for display and preservation strategies for originals. |
Levenick |
|
8
3:45 – 5 PM |
Revitalize Your Memories: DIY Photo Enhancement Techniques |
This workshop session will examine the DIY tools offered by a variety of genealogical companies and apps. Through a series of examples, these tools will be compared. Over the course of our sessions, we’ll explore the art of photo restoration and colorization using tools integrated into popular genealogy websites and photo management software. Our curriculum is tailored to empower you with the skills to repair and enhance the visual appeal of your images and extract historical details that could be pivotal in genealogy research. You’ll learn how to meticulously scan your photos, preserving their quality and preparing them for digital manipulation. |
Taylor |
| Wed |
9
10:30 – 11:45 AM |
Legal – Public Domain versus Copyright |
As explained by legal genealogy expert Judy Russell, the legal issues surrounding public domain versus copyright for family photos revolve around key distinctions. Copyright laws protect original works of authorship, including photographs, as soon as they are created and fixed in a tangible form. This means the photographer usually holds the initial copyright. However, these works can enter the public domain over time, which occurs when copyrights expire or are not renewed. For family photos, this can become complex, as determining the copyright status depends on the date of creation, the life of the author, and specific legal provisions. In the U.S., works published before 1929 are generally in the public domain, but newer works have varying durations of copyright based on when they were created or published. This distinction is critical for genealogists and family historians who wish to use old family photos, as using copyrighted material without permission can lead to legal issues. Therefore, understanding the nuances of copyright and public domain is essential to legally use these photos – and the choices we must all make when using and sharing photos. |
Russell |
|
10
12 – 1:15 PM |
Digital Revolution: The Evolution and Preservation of Digital Media and Movies |
The session begins with the transition from film to digital cameras, which marked a significant turning point in how images were captured, sometimes processed, and utilized. The digital photography era not only introduced efficiency and innovation but also posed unique challenges in terms of preservation and compatibility. As the course unfolds, learners explore the early competition among organizations to define digital standards, the industry’s struggle for control, and the impact these battles had on the longevity and accessibility of digital content. The curriculum delves into the complex process of digitizing traditional media, including the scanning of still and motion images, and the hurdles encountered due to the emerging digital formats. Students will examine case studies of successful and failed preservation efforts, learning about the importance of digital archiving, the risks of data obsolescence, and the techniques employed to attempt to ensure that our digital heritage remains accessible for future generations. Through lectures, hands-on workshops, and collaborative projects, participants comprehensively understand the digital media landscape, its challenges, and the innovative solutions developed to address them. The course aims to equip students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in digital media preservation, ensuring they are prepared to contribute to digital archiving and content management in an era where digital media seems ubiquitous. |
Voight |
|
11
2:15 – 3:30 PM |
Finding Family History-Related Images from Free to Fee |
It’s easy to find images. They are everywhere, from family collections to historical societies and for-profit websites. Learn how to locate historical images that illuminate your family’s past. This will guide you through searching family albums, public archives, and online databases to uncover photographs that connect to your lineage. Negotiating rights and permissions is the hard part. For instance, finding a picture on Wikipedia doesn’t mean it’s free to use. There is ethical use as well as legal usage. |
Taylor |
|
12
3:34 – 5 PM |
Preserving Moments: The Evolution and Impact of Digital Media in Storytelling” |
Delve into the transformative journey of digital media, tracing its roots from the advent of digital photography to its current pivotal role in capturing and sharing stories. Initially, the transition from film to digital sensors in cameras marked a significant milestone, allowing images and stories to be captured electronically – but that was just the beginning. This class explores the enchanting art of storytelling through images. Photography, often described as painting with light, freezes a moment in time, offering an authentic visual account of memories. In contrast to drawings and paintings, which are subjective interpretations, photographs can convey a story with astonishing fidelity. The course examines how narratives woven around photographs can range from simple recollections of events to profound retrospectives of life-changing milestones, such as a golden wedding anniversary. Embracing various perspectives, these stories evoke a spectrum of emotions, from tears of joy to tears of sorrow to those of nostalgia, underscoring the power of photography to preserve and celebrate our collective human experience for future generations. |
Voight |
| Thu |
13
10:30 – 11:45 AM |
From Plate to Pixel: The Transformative Journey of 20th Century Imaging |
The 20th century was a pivotal era for the field of imaging, marking the transition from painstaking single shots and glass plates to the simplicity and versatility of roll film. This innovation democratized photography, making it accessible to the masses and paving the way for continuous innovation. As the century progressed, we witnessed the birth and rapid evolution of digital imaging, a leap that redefined the boundaries of photography and videography. This transition empowered creators to capture, store, and manipulate images in ways previously unimaginable, leading to an explosion of creativity and the ubiquity of visual media in the modern world. The century concluded with digital technology beginning to overtake mainstream film and printing – setting the stage for the imaging marvels of the future. |
Voight |
|
14
12 – 1:15 PM |
Harnessing Metadata for Family Photographs in Genealogical Research |
Genealogy enthusiasts often invest significant time in collecting and analyzing family photographs. However, the effort can be undermined if the accompanying information is lost or disorganized. To mitigate this, metadata serves as a critical tool, enabling the embedding of rich details directly into the image files and/or within databases. Metadata can store names, dates, locations, and even intricate family relationships, thus transforming a mere picture into a self-contained vessel of family history. Storing this information requires a system that supports metadata fields, such as IPTC (International Press Telecommunications Council) standards, which are widely recognized and can be read by various software. By embedding metadata, you ensure that the context of the photographs travels with them, whether they are shared on family history websites, through social media, or stored in digital archives.
Further, to maintain the integrity of the information, it is advisable to use reliable genealogy software to link photographs to family trees and export data in GEDCOM format, the standard for genealogical data exchange. Additionally, backing up your information on cloud services and external drives and sharing your findings with family members can act as a safeguard against data loss. Finally, updating and reviewing metadata regularly to ensure accuracy and completeness is important. As new information comes to light, updating the metadata ensures that the family history is preserved for future generations. With careful metadata management, your family photographs can become a lasting and informative part of your genealogical legacy. |
Voight |
|
15
2:15 – 3:30 PM |
Crafting Memories: The Art of Creating Photo Books |
This workshop session will examine the DIY tools offered by various genealogical companies. Through a series of examples, these tools will be compared. Over the course of our sessions, you’ll master the art of photo restoration, colorization, and precise dating using the same tools integrated into popular genealogy websites and photo management software. Our curriculum is tailored to empower you with the skills to repair and enhance the visual appeal of your images and extract historical details that could be pivotal in genealogy research. You’ll learn to meticulously scan your photos, preserving their quality and preparing them for digital manipulation. With a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical exercises, we’ll guide you through the process of identifying time-worn clues within your pictures. In addition to restoration and dating techniques, we’ll dive into colorization methods, transforming your black-and-white memories into vibrant, color-rich images that stand the test of time. Whether you’re looking to organize your digital albums efficiently, uncover ancestral secrets, or give a fresh look to your old photographs, this class will provide the tools and tips to do it all. |
Boumenot |
|
16
3:45 – 5 PM |
Preserving Memories: Navigating 21st Century Photographic Challenges |
This session offers a comprehensive journey into the unique issues faced by 21st-century photography enthusiasts and archivists. As we delve into the era’s photographic landscape, we will explore three primary areas of concern: 1. Dealing with Rolled Photos – Here, students will learn the delicate art of unrolling photographs. This section will cover the science behind this common problem, methods to prevent damage to precious images, and hands-on techniques. 2. Magnetic Photo Album Sheets – Once a popular storage method, magnetic photo albums have become a preservation nightmare. This segment will explain the chemical reactions that occur between these albums and photographs. We will also discuss preservation strategies, including how to safely remove photos from these albums – or not – and better alternatives for long-term storage. 3. Proliferation of Prints and Lack of Identification – The 20th and 21st centuries saw a boom in photography, leading to countless prints with little to no identification. We’ll tackle the challenges of organizing, identifying, and archiving these collections. Techniques for dating photographs, understanding the era’s photographic processes, and best cataloging practices will be key topics. |
Taylor/Voight |
| Fri |
17
10:30 – 11: 45 AM |
Student Presentations Photo Projects |
Students will be allowed to exchange their experiences and receive constructive feedback on the assignments. |
Taylor/Voight |
|
18
12 – 1:15 PM |
Student Presentations Photo Projects |
Students will be allowed to exchange their experiences and receive constructive feedback on the assignments. |
Taylor/Voight |
