Field notes
A useful photograph is part of the collection
A repeatable way to record lettering, condition and the underside of a cap.
You do not need a studio to make a useful catalogue photograph. Consistency matters more than drama. A plain background, soft light and a clear identification number make photographs easier to compare months later.
Make a repeatable setup
Use the same spot near a window, away from direct glare. Place the cap on a plain surface and keep the camera square to it. Photograph the face, the underside and any detail that is difficult to read in the overall image. Include a ruler in a separate frame when size matters.
Keep the original file
Save the unedited image as well as any crop used in your catalogue. Avoid filters that change the colour of the cap. Name the files with the object number and view, such as “CAP-001-front” and “CAP-001-back.”
Write uncertainty into the record
A useful entry includes visible wording, condition, acquisition date and source. Put an uncertain reading in a note rather than silently filling in letters. If another collector suggests an identification, record who suggested it and what evidence supports it.
When sharing a photograph, check that private addresses, purchase paperwork and other people’s contact details are not visible in the background.