Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Minitex Digital Images Workshop

Minitex Bibliographic and Technical Services is pleased to sponsor a new workshop, Understanding Digital Images: Basic to Intermediate Concepts, presented by Wayne Torborg, The Hill Museum & Manuscript Library, Saint John's University.

We have scheduled one full-day session in the Twin Cities. If you are interested in hosting this workshop at your institution in North Dakota or South Dakota, please contact Sara Ring (ring0089@umn.edu), Minitex.

Understanding Digital Images: Basic to Intermediate Concepts

Andersen Library.

Confused by the technical jargon of digital imaging? Frustrated by training seminars that assume too much prior knowledge on the part of the student?

This day-long series of presentations guides the participant from the very basics of digital images to intermediate-level concepts, giving them the essential knowledge to embark on further exploration. Sessions cover the basics of digital image files, the mechanics of digitization, intermediate concepts such as colorspace and profiles, and suggestions for setting up computers for imaging work.

Friday, May 27, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Central Time)
Andersen Library, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis

Register for "Understanding Digital Images: Basic to Intermediate Concepts"

More Details

Topics covered will include:

Image File Basics

  • Bits and bytes: how computers store information
  • Pixels: the building blocks of digital pictures
  • Image file formats
  • The RGB colorspace
  • Unraveling the "image size," "dots per inch," and "pixels per inch" confusion
  • Decoding the "megapixel" marketing hype
  • Resizing digital images
  • Compressed file formats, lossy vs. lossless compression

Mechanics of Digitization

  • Basics of creating digital images using light-sensitive electronic sensors
  • The essentials of how scanners work compared to digital cameras
  • Pros and cons of various types of systems
  • What a "raw" file is and why it's important in digital photography

Image Files: Learning More

  • RGB vs. CMYK colorspaces
  • Concepts of color profiles and why they matter
  • Why PCs and Macs don't always see "eye to eye," and how to fix it
  • Decoding the tech-talk of "gamut" "gamma" and "white point"

Setting Up Computers for Imaging Work

  • Useful guidelines for setting up a computer for imaging work
  • How computer monitors work and how to set them up properly
  • Essential concepts for reproducing image color and tone
  • Using test targets to get your monitor "close enough" for imaging work
  • Options for further exploration in this area

Who Should Attend?

This seminar would be useful to anyone learning the basics of digital photography, working with scanners, or preparing images for use on the Internet or in print.

Presenter Information

Wayne Torborg has been a professional photographer for nearly 30 years. After receiving a degree in mass communications from St. Cloud State University in 1984, he operated a commercial photography business.

In 1997, he was recruited by ColorMax, a digital media services company, to produce digital photography for advertising clients. In 2004, he became director of digital collections and imaging for the Hill Museum & Manuscript Manuscript Library at Saint John's University in Collegeville.

In his work at HMML, Torborg supervises the work of 12 overseas manuscript digitization projects, manages HMML's websites and databases, and produces the digital images of the Saint John's Bible.

More Training Opportunities

Contact the Bibliographic and Technical Services Unit