Photography Conservation Course & History of Photographic Techniques

History & Photography conservation Course – How to preserve old photos by learning about their history and types.

A training package that combines the Photography conservation course with knowledge of photographic techniques and historical evolution.

The preservation of old photos requires knowledge of conservation and methods for developing conservation programmes.

However, these are closely related to the photographic medium itself.

In other words, the conservation of old photos requires knowledge of the evolution of photography and photographic techniques.

We have created this package of two courses – History & Photography conservation Course – that will provide a comprehensive understanding of the history of photography and the various types and techniques of production and ways of conserving old photos.

Save 30% when you purchase both courses together

 

Language: English

Also available in Português.

Photography Conservation Course & History of Photographic Techniques

 

This two-course package – History & Photography Conservation Course – has been designed to provide an integrated understanding of photography as both cultural heritage and artistic expression.

In the Photography Conservation course participants learn the key principles, methods, and practices for preserving different types of photographs and supports.

The History of Photographic Techniques course explores the development of photographic processes, from the earliest experiments of the 19th century to the innovations of the 20th century.

Together, these courses offer a complete approach that bridges theory and practice—essential for professionals working with photographic collections, archives, or for anyone eager to deepen their knowledge of this fascinating field.

What’s included in the bundle History & Photography Conservation Course

The package price includes unlimited 24-hour access to:

• Lessons for each topic in the programme.
• Downloadable e-books.
• Links to articles, videos and websites.
• Glossaries.
• Assessment (1 final quiz per course).
• Certificate (1 certificate per course).

These courses are intended for people who wish to deepen or begin their knowledge of how to preserve old photos and the history of photography and photographic techniques.

There are no entry requirements.

How it works

What you will learn in the 2-course bundle History & Photography Conservation Course

Photography Conservation Course

PART 1 – Preservation / Conservation / Restoration

Before any approach to the conservation of cultural assets, it will be necessary to synthesize its fundamental concepts.

In the photography conservation course a first lesson is presented with the synthesis of these concepts based on the ICOM – International Council of Museums.

PART 2 – Photography: concept, structure and most common typologies

In this part of the course we will learn what photograph really is. The processes inherent to their production and the various typologies and their differences.

• Structure: base, support, emulsion, album, etc.
• Most common typologies

PART 3 – Common deterioration factors (internal and external)

Before starting any photo preservation program, it is necessary to know the main factors of deterioration of the different photographic species.

Only then can we adopt the appropriate measures for each specific case

• Internal factors
• External factors

PART 4 – Environment and pest control

The environmental and pest control that can damage our photographic collections is a fundamental step in the conservation of photography process.

You will learn about the various ways and equipment to carry out this control.

PART 5 – Handling and Packaging systems

Learn how to handle our photo collections and what are the best forms of packaging, from the most complex processes to the simplest and most economical ones.

• Handling
• Packaging systems

PART 6 – The Preservation Program

What are the stages and methods to develop a photo preservation program suitable for each type of photographic collection . In this part of the conservation of photography course several examples will be given and supporting materials will be provided for future use.

• Museum collection program
• Proposed program for private photo collections (at home)

History of photography course

Lesson 1: Introduction

What is a photograph and what makes it up, what is the context in which the first photographs appear.

a. Man as a producer of images

b. Photography: what it is and what it consists of

Lesson 2: 1839 – 1855

The first major advances in photographic processes 

a. The Daguerreotype

b. The Calotype

Lesson 3: 1855 – 1880

The demands of the photographic process dictate the most suitable support material. Thus, it was necessary to use a binding medium.  

a. Albumin

b. Wet Collodion

c. The use of collodion negatives for albumin proofs

Lesson 4: 1880 – 1910

Advances in industrial production

a. Industrial Production

i. The use of gelatin

ii. Direct paper proofs

Lesson 5: 1910 – 1970

Following the technological advances of the previous decades, it was necessary to create an easier and more accessible means of supporting transportation.

a. Film negatives

b. Paper proofs of developing prints

c. Alternative photography

Lesson 6: 1970 to present day

The ultimate goal now assumed by photographers was color photography.  

a.       Autochrome

b.       Chromogenic Proof

c.        Non-chromogenic proofs

d.       Digital Photography

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