Archive practice
A repeatable photo session for a football shirt collection
Create comparable archive photographs with a simple shot list, consistent filenames and a clear record of what was photographed.
Archive photographs work best when they answer the same questions for every shirt. You do not need a studio to make a useful record. You need a clear surface, enough room to handle the garment without pulling it, and a shot list that does not change halfway through the collection.
Prepare the record before the camera
Write down the shirt’s record number and decide how the files will be named. Use a pattern such as record number, view and sequence: front, back, collar, label and detail. Keep edited copies separate from originals. Do not rename an original photograph to imply a confirmed season if that identification is still under investigation.
Follow a short shot list
- Front and back, showing the entire garment.
- Collar, cuffs and hem, with their construction visible.
- Labels, including text you can read without forcing a seam.
- Badge, sponsor and name or number, where present.
- Existing damage, repairs or unusual details.
Keep comparison conditions consistent
Use the same background and a similar camera position when practical. Avoid filters that change colour or hide wear. If the light differs between sessions, note that difference rather than treating two screen colours as an exact comparison. Add a ruler to a detail image only if it can be placed without pressing on fragile material; record measurements separately as well.
Handle uncertain or fragile pieces differently
Do not stretch a collar, peel a label open or flatten a lifting print merely to improve a photograph. Record the view you can obtain safely and note the limitation. A valuable or delicate textile may need advice from a conservation professional before handling or display. A photograph should document the object, not change its condition.
Finish by checking focus and matching each filename to the record. A small, complete set of readable photographs is more useful than dozens of unlabelled images. Revisit only the missing views, and keep the date of any later session in your notes.