Digital
Images - the prefer method
Nearly everyone has some type of device that takes digital pictures - camera, phone or IPad. It is much faster and easier to employ digital images in the house color scheme building process than old style prints. I can work with prints as well, see below for instructions.
You can send me the images via email or on a flash drive or a CD. [mailing address is: 3661 Waldenwood Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48105]
See below for what parts of the building to photograph.
Emailing photo images
Note that some email programs automatically reduce the size of an attached image so that it comes to me very small. That function may have to be turned off in your email program. Look in the Help section usually under “attachment size” or something similar to see how your program handles that issue.
You can send yourself a “test email” with several images attached to it. There you can see how large they are in your own software. Generally I need images that are 800K and above or that would print out at 8x10 inches. You can also send me a test email with several images attached and I'll let you know the condition I receive them in. Very large emails often don't get past either your or my server, so don't go over 10 megs in size for a single email message.
Film Images
Secure a camera. A 35mm type is best. The "Point &
Shoot" variety work fine as do the standard manual focus
SLR’s. If you don’t own a camera, neighbors or
relatives are a good source to borrow one from. Often they will
take the pictures for you, or they may have a digital device you an borrow.
Purchase film. Any type of inexpensive
35mm color film will be fine. Rolls come in 24 & 36 exposure and typically
a 24 exposure roll is sufficient. When having your film developed get a CD as well as prints and send both to me. Your local Target/Walmart store or mall will have a developing service. The prints need not be costly. Please remember to get the largest standard size available, usually 4 x 6 inches. You may want an extra set for you own records. If you wish to label the prints do so with a stick-on label. Often writing on the back of the photos is difficult and it can transfer to the face of the near-by print in shipping. Place the photos into an envelope, and mark it "DO NOT BEND -- PHOTOGRAPHS." Send them via your favorite shipping service (USPS, FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc.), along with your "Data Form" and check to:
Robert Schweitzer
"Historic House Colors "
3661 Waldenwood Drive
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
WHAT
TO PHOTOGRAPH
1) all four sides of the house, as
best as you can. I understand that this is not always possible, just do the best you can. Be sure
to fill the viewing frame with the house and not to leave too much "white space" around the structure. If the house/building is large also take additional photos of each facade/side breaking it up into perhaps 2 or 3 smaller units so that the detail will show.
2) general large architectural items such as porches (front
& back) gables, bays, dormers, and towers.
3) details such as the entryway, doors and a typical window.
4) special details such as bay windows,
brackets and roof cornices and especially close-ups of details
on porches - columns & spindles for example. Inside porches you may want to use a flash.
No need to "over photo" the building. I will
request any additional images that may be needed.
WHEN
TO PHOTOGRAPH
Try to take the pictures on a cloudy
day. If you live in the sunbelt or if the sun is out, make sure it is shining
on the face of the part of the building you are photographing. Having a shadow
over the surface conceals the details. With this in mind it may take a day or
two, at different times during the day for you to be able to photograph the
house in the best lighting conditions.
Blue Prints and Drawings (New
Construction)
I can employ both blue prints and
elevation drawings for color placement in new construction projects. It is best
if you can supply all four facade renderings, any any details in a Jpg or Pdf image format. Most CAD programs can convert their files to those formats. Your architect or building contractor can easily make the files for you.
If you have questions
please email me at robs@umich.edu, I'll be happy to discuss any image issue you may have.
Copyright 1997-2013:
Robert Schweitzer; revised December 8, 2012
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