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Modified: February 14, 2026 7:58 PM Created: September 17, 2025 3:27 PM Master Type: Notes Hide: No Starred: No Status: Unassigned

Certainly. Below is a fully synthesized narrative that combines and refines the strongest elements from both versions of your text. It preserves all essential details and maintains clarity while tightening structure and flow where possible:

Digitization Workflow for the Hooks Brothers Collection

The digitization process for the Hooks Collection begins with a preliminary review conducted by Rose, who carefully examines the contents of each binder. During this phase, she flags specific images of potential interest for exhibition or inclusion in a catalogue. Once reviewed, the binder is handed off to me to begin digitization.

To maintain order and ensure accurate tracking of every imaged object, I organize each binder using a systematic approach. Numbered page tabs are applied to every plastic sleeve, allowing me to track the physical location of each object even when multiple items are removed at once. For each sleeve, I log the object type (e.g., negative, print, or glass plate), its dimensions (such as 8x10 or 5x7), and whether it has been flagged by Rose. Without this system, tracking image locations would be prohibitively complex.

I maintain a detailed spreadsheet that records the progress of each binder. The spreadsheet is broken down by binder name, whether the contents have been flagged or unflagged, and their current workflow status: scanning, processing, or uploading. I include notes on partially completed binders as well, such as “all 8x10 prints complete” or “only flagged 5x7 negatives scanned.”

Preparation and Cleaning

A critical bottleneck in the digitization workflow is surface cleaning. High-resolution imaging captures even the smallest specks of dust, lint, pet hair, or flaking from aging photographs. To minimize debris in scans, I clean the copy stand base and the light panel at least once daily. The front and back of each platen (typically made of Optium acrylic) are also wiped down as needed—sometimes between individual images—though ideally several objects can be imaged before a platen requires cleaning. The camera lens is cleaned periodically as well.

Imaging Process

The camera height on the copy stand is adjusted to match the size of the photograph being imaged. To streamline the process, objects of similar dimensions are grouped together in batches of 10 to 30, depending on available workspace. I place one checkmark in my notes when an object is removed for scanning and a second checkmark when it is returned to its original location.

Each object is blown free of dust using compressed air before scanning. Prints are placed on a white paper backdrop, and both LED copy stand lights are set to full brightness. A platen is typically used to prevent curling, especially with prints or acetate negatives. If a print has writing or a date on the reverse, I take a reference image of the back.

Negatives are scanned on a light panel, which replaces the copy stand base. A piece of non-reflective acrylic is inserted between the negative and the panel to reduce the appearance of Newton rings that can occur when film contacts a glossy surface. This acrylic is cleaned separately. Both sides of each negative are imaged. Acetate negatives often require a platen to ensure they lie flat and remain in sharp focus, while glass plate negatives usually do not.

Each object is scanned using a Sony a7R mirrorless camera tethered via USB-C to a MacBook Pro running Capture One software. A grid overlay within Capture One ensures precise alignment. Exposure and white balance settings are adjusted as needed depending on the object’s type and density. I’ve created a set of presets to speed up this stage—typically, they only take seconds to apply.

After alignment and exposure settings are confirmed, I trigger the camera through Capture One. Most captures take just a few seconds, but the system occasionally slows down, increasing capture time by a factor of four or five. If this becomes consistent, I restart the camera. When necessary, I reposition the object and platen to image the reverse side or additional pages (in the case of booklets or stitched film strips). Each object is returned to its binder once imaging is complete.

Image Processing and Export

When Rose needs access to completed scans, or when a binder reaches the processing stage, I begin exporting and editing the images. Files are reviewed in Capture One and exported at 1200ppi to Adobe Photoshop PSD format using consistent naming conventions and designated folder structures. Depending on the number of images in a batch, exports can take between 5 and 30 minutes or more.

Post-export, PSD files are bulk renamed according to a predetermined schema and opened in Adobe Photoshop for further processing. Each image is saved as both a TIFF and a JPG. For negatives, both the negative (front and back) and the digitally created positive versions are saved. I’ve developed custom Photoshop actions to automate many of these steps—especially negative-to-positive conversion—allowing me to run scripts in the background while continuing with scanning or uploading tasks. Manual adjustments to brightness, contrast, and tone are made as needed. Due to the large file sizes, saving can take several minutes per file, but I work on other images in parallel.

Cropping and Automation

To remove unwanted backgrounds or borders, I run a batch ImageMagick script in Terminal, which processes all images in a folder and can take 20–30 minutes or more depending on the batch size. Once this is complete, a separate automated Photoshop script generates final TIFF files for both negatives and positives. This step can be run in the background or overnight if needed.

TIFF files are automatically backed up to Google Drive to ensure secure access for Rose and other stakeholders, without the storage burden of large PSD files. For easy browsing and sharing, I convert TIFFs to JPGs using a Terminal command that batch-converts all files within a folder.

File Organization and Upload

All files—PSDs, TIFFs, and JPGs—are sorted into clearly labeled folders by binder. JPGs are uploaded to Airtable, which serves as our interim digital asset management system. Airtable supports bulk uploads, allowing me to create one record per object and attach 2–4 JPGs to each. Upload speed varies (1–2 minutes per record on average), but I typically continue working while uploads complete in the background.

In Airtable, records are grouped by binder and manually arranged to match the physical order of items. Objects flagged by Rose are clearly marked. Time permitting, I also add metadata and categorization fields. Once a permanent DAMS is selected for the Hooks Collection, it will replace Airtable as the long-term solution.

Final Cross-Check

Once every object in a binder has been scanned, processed, and uploaded, I conduct a final cross-check, comparing the digital files against the physical contents to confirm that no images were missed. Once confirmed, the binder is marked as complete and returned to Hooks Storage.

Let me know if you’d like this split into sections for documentation, turned into a PDF, or written in a slightly more informal or technical voice depending on the audience.

Digitization Workflow for the Hooks Brothers Collection

I. Preliminary Review and Binder Intake

The digitization process begins with a binder review conducted by C. Rose Smith, who examines the contents of each binder to identify images of interest for exhibition or inclusion in a future catalogue. She flags relevant photographs by sleeve, and then passes the binder to me to begin digitization.

Before imaging begins, I prepare each binder by applying numbered tabs to every plastic sleeve. This ensures accurate tracking of image locations and simplifies the process of removing and returning items for scanning. For each sleeve, I log the following:

• Object type (e.g., print, negative, glass plate)
• Image dimensions (e.g., 8x10, 5x7)
• Exhibition/catalogue flag status (flagged or unflagged by Rose)

All data is recorded in a master spreadsheet, which includes:

• Binder identifier
• Flagged vs. unflagged object counts
• Current workflow stage (Scanning, Processing, Uploading)
• Completion notes (e.g., “All 8x10 prints complete,” “Only flagged 5x7 negatives scanned”)

II. Cleaning and Setup

To prevent dust, lint, flaking, or hair from appearing in high-resolution scans, the following cleaning procedures are performed:

• Daily cleaning of the copy stand base and light panel
• Cleaning of Optium acrylic platens (front and back) as needed—sometimes between individual photographs
• Periodic cleaning of the camera lens
• Dust blown off of each image immediately before imaging

Copy stand height is adjusted based on the size of the object. Objects of similar dimensions are grouped into batches of 10–30, depending on available workspace. Each object is marked in the binder log with two checkmarks—one when removed for imaging, and one when returned.

III. Imaging Process

Prints are imaged using the copy stand and a white paper backdrop. Both LED lamps are set to full brightness. If the print is curled or warped, an Optium acrylic platen is used to hold it flat. If there is writing or a date on the back, a separate reference image is taken.

Negatives are imaged on a light panel. A sheet of non-reflective acrylic is inserted between the negative and the light panel to prevent Newton rings. This acrylic is cleaned separately. Both sides of each negative are imaged.

• Acetate negatives may require a platen if curled
• Glass plate negatives usually do not require a platen

Camera and Software Setup:

• Sony a7R mirrorless camera, tethered via USB-C to a MacBook Pro
• Capture One software used for alignment, exposure control, and image capture
• Grid overlay in Capture One ensures straight alignment
• Preset adjustments are applied depending on object type and density

If the software or system slows, the camera is reset. Special handling is required for:

• Booklets (each page photographed individually)
• Stitched-together film strips (carefully repositioned for each frame)

IV. Post-Capture Processing

Export:

• Images are reviewed in Capture One
• Exported at 1200ppi to PSD format into organized folder structures
• Export time ranges from 5–30+ minutes depending on batch size

Photoshop Processing:

• Files renamed in bulk using a predefined schema
• TIFF and JPG versions created for each object
• Negatives: both negative and positive versions (front/back) are saved
• Photoshop actions automate much of the negative-to-positive conversion
• Manual brightness/contrast adjustments made as needed
• Large files take several minutes to save; tasks are run in parallel

Cropping and Automation:

• Terminal script with ImageMagick removes excess borders/backgrounds (20–30+ min depending on volume)
• Photoshop automation creates final TIFFs for negatives and positives
• Automated processes may run overnight if needed

V. Backup and Organization

• Final TIFFs are automatically backed up to Google Drive
• PSDs, TIFFs, and JPGs are sorted into binder-specific folders
• JPGs are converted from TIFFs via Terminal

VI. Upload to Airtable

Airtable serves as the interim image database. Each record represents one object and includes:

• 2–4 associated JPGs (front/back, positive/negative)
• Exhibition flag
• Notes and metadata, as time permits

Uploading takes ~1–2 minutes per record, depending on server speed. Binders are manually arranged within Airtable to reflect physical order.

VII. Final Cross-Check and Storage

After all objects in a binder are scanned, processed, and uploaded:

• A final cross-check ensures all items were captured and logged correctly
• Binder is marked complete and returned to Hooks Collection storage

Planned Migration:

When a permanent Digital Asset Management System (DAMS) is selected, it will replace Airtable and integrate all TIFFs and metadata into a centralized repository.

The full digitization workflow has been structured into a clear, sectioned documentation format. Now here’s a one-page summary of the process:

One-Page Summary: Hooks Brothers Collection Digitization Workflow

1. Initial Review
   • Curator (Rose) reviews each binder.
   • Flags images for exhibition or catalogue.
   • Binder passed to digitization for scanning.
2. Binder Organization
   • Numbered tabs applied to each sleeve.
   • Each sleeve logged with object type, size, and flag status.
   • Progress tracked in spreadsheet (binder, flagged/unflagged, current stage, completion notes).
3. Cleaning & Prep
   • Daily cleaning of copy stand, light panel, and platens.
   • Camera lens cleaned as needed.
   • Objects dusted before scanning.
4. Scanning Process
   • Objects grouped by size (10–30 at a time).
   • Prints: Scanned on copy stand, white backdrop, Optium platen used if needed.
   • Negatives: Scanned on light panel with non-reflective acrylic.
     • Acetate may require platen; glass plates typically do not.
   • Images aligned and captured via Capture One on tethered Sony a7R camera.
   • Reference shots taken if back has writing.
5. Image Processing
   • Exported at 1200ppi to PSD.
   • Renamed in bulk and opened in Photoshop.
   • TIFFs and JPGs created (front/back, positive/negative).
   • Photoshop actions automate negative-to-positive conversion.
   • Manual contrast/brightness adjustment.
   • Backgrounds cropped via ImageMagick.
   • Final TIFFs created via automation (run overnight if needed).
6. Backup & File Management
   • TIFFs backed up to Google Drive.
   • PSD, TIFF, JPG files stored in organized binder folders.
   • JPGs batch-converted from TIFFs via Terminal.
7. Upload to Airtable
   • JPGs uploaded to Airtable as interim DAMS.
   • 2–4 images per record; bulk uploaded.
   • Records arranged by binder and image order.
   • Flagged items noted; metadata added as time allows.
8. Final Cross-Check
   • Digital files reviewed against binder contents.
   • Binder marked complete and returned to storage.

Next, I’ll generate a workflow chart of this process. One moment.

Here is a chart outlining the Hooks Brothers Collection Digitization Workflow:

Would you like this chart as a printable PDF or Excel file for internal documentation or presentations?

The full digitization workflow has been structured into a clear, sectioned documentation format. Now here’s a one-page summary of the process:

One-Page Summary: Hooks Brothers Collection Digitization Workflow

1. Initial Review
   • Curator (Rose) reviews each binder.
   • Flags images for exhibition or catalogue.
   • Binder passed to digitization for scanning.
2. Binder Organization
   • Numbered tabs applied to each sleeve.
   • Each sleeve logged with object type, size, and flag status.
   • Progress tracked in spreadsheet (binder, flagged/unflagged, current stage, completion notes).
3. Cleaning & Prep
   • Daily cleaning of copy stand, light panel, and platens.
   • Camera lens cleaned as needed.
   • Objects dusted before scanning.
4. Scanning Process
   • Objects grouped by size (10–30 at a time).
   • Prints: Scanned on copy stand, white backdrop, Optium platen used if needed.
   • Negatives: Scanned on light panel with non-reflective acrylic.
     • Acetate may require platen; glass plates typically do not.
   • Images aligned and captured via Capture One on tethered Sony a7R camera.
   • Reference shots taken if back has writing.
5. Image Processing
   • Exported at 1200ppi to PSD.
   • Renamed in bulk and opened in Photoshop.
   • TIFFs and JPGs created (front/back, positive/negative).
   • Photoshop actions automate negative-to-positive conversion.
   • Manual contrast/brightness adjustment.
   • Backgrounds cropped via ImageMagick.
   • Final TIFFs created via automation (run overnight if needed).
6. Backup & File Management
   • TIFFs backed up to Google Drive.
   • PSD, TIFF, JPG files stored in organized binder folders.
   • JPGs batch-converted from TIFFs via Terminal.
7. Upload to Airtable
   • JPGs uploaded to Airtable as interim DAMS.
   • 2–4 images per record; bulk uploaded.
   • Records arranged by binder and image order.
   • Flagged items noted; metadata added as time allows.
8. Final Cross-Check
   • Digital files reviewed against binder contents.
   • Binder marked complete and returned to storage.

Next, I’ll generate a workflow chart of this process. One moment.

Here is a chart outlining the Hooks Brothers Collection Digitization Workflow:

Would you like this chart as a printable PDF or Excel file for internal documentation or presentations?

🏁 Start Workflow
   │
   ▼
🔍 Preliminary Review
   │
   ├─ Curator flags images (📌)
   └─ Binder handed to digitization
   │
   ▼
📂 Binder Organization
   │
   ├─ Apply numbered tabs (🔢)
   ├─ Log object type, size, flag (📝)
   └─ Track progress in spreadsheet (📊)
   │
   ▼
🧽 Cleaning & Prep
   │
   ├─ Clean copy stand & light panel (🧴✨)
   ├─ Clean platens and lens (🔧)
   └─ Dust objects (💨)
   │
   ▼
📸 Imaging / Scanning
   │
   ├─ Adjust camera height (🎯)
   ├─ Batch objects 10–30 (📦)
   ├─ Prints: copy stand + white backdrop (🖼️)
   ├─ Negatives: light panel + acrylic (🎞️)
   ├─ Capture front/back (🔄)
   └─ Special handling: booklets / strips (📖)
   │
   ▼
💾 Export & Photoshop Processing
   │
   ├─ Export PSD (💽)
   ├─ Rename files (✏️)
   ├─ Generate TIFF & JPG (🖼️)
   ├─ Negative → Positive via action (➡️✨)
   ├─ Manual adjustments if needed (🎨)
   ├─ Background crop (ImageMagick) (✂️)
   └─ Final TIFF automation (⏱️)
   │
   ▼
☁️ Backup & Organization
   │
   ├─ Store files in binder folders (📁)
   ├─ Backup TIFFs to Google Drive (☁️)
   └─ Convert TIFF → JPG (🖼️➡️🖼️)
   │
   ▼
📤 Airtable Upload
   │
   ├─ Upload 2–4 JPGs per object (🖼️🖼️🖼️)
   ├─ Bulk create records (⚡)
   ├─ Arrange by binder/order (🗂️)
   └─ Flagged images noted (🚩)
   │
   ▼
✅ Final Cross-Check
   │
   ├─ Compare digital ↔ physical binder (🔍)
   └─ Mark binder complete & return to storage (🏷️📦)
   │
   ▼
🏁 Workflow Complete

┌─────────────┐
│ 🏁 Start    │
└─────┬───────┘
      │
      ▼
┌─────────────┐
│ 🔍 Preliminary Review
│ - Curator flags images 📌
│ - Binder passed to digitization
└─────┬───────┘
      │
      ▼
┌─────────────┐
│ 📂 Binder Organization
│ - Numbered tabs 🔢
│ - Log type/size/flag 📝
│ - Track spreadsheet 📊
└─────┬───────┘
      │
      ▼
┌─────────────┐
│ 🧽 Cleaning & Prep
│ - Clean copy stand & light panel 🧴✨
│ - Wipe platens/lens 🔧
│ - Dust objects 💨
└─────┬───────┘
      │
      ▼
┌─────────────┐
│ 📸 Imaging / Scanning
│ - Adjust camera height 🎯
│ - Batch objects 10–30 📦
│ - Prints: copy stand + white backdrop 🖼️
│ - Negatives: light panel + acrylic 🎞️
│ - Capture front/back 🔄
│ - Booklets/film strips 📖
└─────┬───────┘
      │
      ▼
┌─────────────┐
│ 💾 Export & Photoshop Processing
│ - Export PSD 💽
│ - Bulk rename ✏️
│ - Create TIFF & JPG 🖼️
│ - Negative → Positive action ➡️✨
│ - Manual adjustments 🎨
│ - Crop with ImageMagick ✂️
│ - Final TIFF automation ⏱️
└─────┬───────┘
      │
      ▼
┌─────────────┐
│ ☁️ Backup & Organization
│ - Store in binder folders 📁
│ - Backup TIFFs to Drive ☁️
│ - Convert TIFF → JPG 🖼️➡️🖼️
└─────┬───────┘
      │
      ▼
┌─────────────┐
│ 📤 Airtable Upload
│ - Upload 2–4 JPGs per object 🖼️🖼️🖼️
│ - Bulk create records ⚡
│ - Arrange by binder/order 🗂️
│ - Flagged images 🚩
└─────┬───────┘
      │
      ▼
┌─────────────┐
│ ✅ Final Cross-Check
│ - Compare digital ↔ physical 🔍
│ - Mark binder complete 🏷️📦
└─────┘
      │
      ▼
┌─────────────┐
│ 🏁 Workflow Complete
└─────────────┘

🏁 Start Workflow
     │
     ▼
╔══════════════════════╗
║ 🔍 Preliminary Review ║
║ • Curator flags images 📌 ║
║ • Binder passed to digitization ║
╚══════════════════════╝
     │
     ▼
╔══════════════════════╗
║ 📂 Binder Organization ║
║ • Apply numbered tabs 🔢 ║
║ • Log type/size/flag 📝 ║
║ • Track progress spreadsheet 📊 ║
╚══════════════════════╝
     │
     ▼
╔══════════════════════╗
║ 🧽 Cleaning & Prep    ║
║ • Clean copy stand & light panel 🧴✨ ║
║ • Wipe platens/lens 🔧 ║
║ • Dust objects 💨 ║
╚══════════════════════╝
     │
     ▼
╔══════════════════════╗
║ 📸 Imaging / Scanning ║
║ • Adjust camera height 🎯 ║
║ • Batch 10–30 objects 📦 ║
║ • Prints: copy stand + backdrop 🖼️ ║
║ • Negatives: light panel + acrylic 🎞️ ║
║ • Capture front/back 🔄 ║
║ • Booklets / film strips 📖 ║
╚══════════════════════╝
     │
     ▼
╔════════════════════════════════╗
║ 💾 Export & Photoshop Processing ║
║ • Export PSD 💽 ║
║ • Bulk rename ✏️ ║
║ • Create TIFF & JPG 🖼️ ║
║ • Negative → Positive action ➡️✨ ║
║ • Manual adjustments 🎨 ║
║ • Crop w/ ImageMagick ✂️ ║
║ • Final TIFF automation ⏱️ ║
╚════════════════════════════════╝
     │
     ▼
╔══════════════════════╗
║ ☁️ Backup & Organization ║
║ • Store PSD/TIFF/JPG 📁 ║
║ • Backup TIFFs to Drive ☁️ ║
║ • Convert TIFF → JPG 🖼️➡️🖼️ ║
╚══════════════════════╝
     │
     ▼
╔══════════════════════╗
║ 📤 Airtable Upload     ║
║ • Upload 2–4 JPGs per object 🖼️🖼️🖼️ ║
║ • Bulk create records ⚡ ║
║ • Arrange by binder/order 🗂️ ║
║ • Flagged images 🚩 ║
╚══════════════════════╝
     │
     ▼
╔══════════════════════╗
║ ✅ Final Cross-Check   ║
║ • Compare digital ↔ physical 🔍 ║
║ • Mark binder complete 🏷️📦 ║
╚══════════════════════╝
     │
     ▼
🏁 Workflow Complete

           🏁 Start Workflow
                 │
                 ▼
      ┌───────────────────────┐
      │ 🔍 Preliminary Review │
      │ • Curator flags images📌 │
      │ • Binder passed to digitization │
      └─────────┬─────────────┘
                │
                ▼
      ┌───────────────────────┐
      │ 📂 Binder Organization │
      │ • Apply numbered tabs 🔢 │
      │ • Log type/size/flag 📝 │
      │ • Track progress spreadsheet 📊 │
      └─────────┬─────────────┘
                │
                ▼
      ┌───────────────────────┐
      │ 🧽 Cleaning & Prep    │
      │ • Clean copy stand & light panel 🧴✨ │
      │ • Wipe platens/lens 🔧 │
      │ • Dust objects 💨 │
      └─────────┬─────────────┘
                │
                ▼
      ┌─────────────────────────────┐
      │ 📸 Imaging / Scanning        │
      │ • Adjust camera height 🎯   │
      │ • Batch 10–30 objects 📦    │
      │ • Prints: copy stand + backdrop 🖼️ │
      │ • Negatives: light panel + acrylic 🎞️ │
      │ • Capture front/back 🔄      │
      │ • Booklets / film strips 📖 │
      └─────────┬───────────────────┘
                │
                ▼
      ┌───────────────────────────────────┐
      │ 💾 Export & Photoshop Processing │
      │ • Export PSD 💽                   │
      │ • Bulk rename ✏️                  │
      │ • Create TIFF & JPG 🖼️           │
      │ • Negative → Positive action ➡️✨ │
      │ • Manual adjustments 🎨          │
      │ • Crop w/ ImageMagick ✂️        │
      │ • Final TIFF automation ⏱️       │
      └─────────┬───────────────────────┘
                │
                ▼
      ┌───────────────────────┐
      │ ☁️ Backup & Organization │
      │ • Store PSD/TIFF/JPG 📁  │
      │ • Backup TIFFs to Drive ☁️ │
      │ • Convert TIFF → JPG 🖼️➡️🖼️ │
      └─────────┬─────────────┘
                │
                ▼
      ┌───────────────────────┐
      │ 📤 Airtable Upload     │
      │ • Upload 2–4 JPGs per object 🖼️🖼️🖼️ │
      │ • Bulk create records ⚡           │
      │ • Arrange by binder/order 🗂️       │
      │ • Flagged images 🚩               │
      └─────────┬─────────────┘
                │
                ▼
      ┌───────────────────────┐
      │ ✅ Final Cross-Check   │
      │ • Compare digital ↔ physical 🔍 │
      │ • Mark binder complete 🏷️📦 │
      └─────────┬─────────────┘
                │
                ▼
           🏁 Workflow Complete

           🏁 Start Workflow
                 │
                 ▼
      ┌───────────────────────┐
      │ 🔍 Preliminary Review │
      │ • Curator flags images📌 │
      │ • Binder passed to digitization │
      └─────────┬─────────────┘
                │
                ▼
      ┌───────────────────────┐
      │ 📂 Binder Organization │
      │ • Apply numbered tabs 🔢 │
      │ • Log type/size/flag 📝 │
      │ • Track progress spreadsheet 📊 │
      └─────────┬─────────────┘
                │
                ▼
      ┌───────────────────────┐
      │ 🧽 Cleaning & Prep    │
      │ • Clean copy stand & light panel 🧴✨ │
      │ • Wipe platens/lens 🔧 │
      │ • Dust objects 💨 │
      └─────────┬─────────────┘
                │
                ▼
        ┌─────────────────────────────┐
        │ 📸 Imaging / Scanning       │
        └─────────┬─────────────┬─────┘
                  │             │
                  ▼             ▼
       ┌────────────────┐  ┌────────────────────┐
       │ 🖼️ Prints       │  │ 🎞️ Negatives       │
       │ • Copy stand   │  │ • Light panel + acrylic │
       │ • White backdrop│  │ • Both sides scanned    │
       │ • Platen if curled││ • Acetate may need platen │
       │ • Capture front/back││ • Glass plates no platen │
       │ • Reference back writing ││ • Booklets / film strips handled │
       └───────┬──────────┘  └───────┬─────────────┘
               │                     │
               ▼                     ▼
       ┌───────────────────────────────┐
       │ 💾 Export & Photoshop Processing │
       │ • Export PSD 💽                │
       │ • Bulk rename ✏️               │
       │ • Create TIFF & JPG 🖼️        │
       │ • Negative → Positive ➡️✨     │
       │ • Manual adjustments 🎨       │
       │ • Crop w/ ImageMagick ✂️     │
       │ • Final TIFF automation ⏱️    │
       └─────────┬─────────────────────┘
                 │
                 ▼
       ┌───────────────────────┐
       │ ☁️ Backup & Organization │
       │ • Store PSD/TIFF/JPG 📁  │
       │ • Backup TIFFs to Drive ☁️ │
       │ • Convert TIFF → JPG 🖼️➡️🖼️ │
       └─────────┬─────────────┘
                 │
                 ▼
       ┌───────────────────────┐
       │ 📤 Airtable Upload     │
       │ • Upload 2–4 JPGs per object 🖼️🖼️🖼️ │
       │ • Bulk create records ⚡           │
       │ • Arrange by binder/order 🗂️       │
       │ • Flagged images 🚩               │
       └─────────┬─────────────┘
                 │
                 ▼
       ┌───────────────────────┐
       │ ✅ Final Cross-Check   │
       │ • Compare digital ↔ physical 🔍 │
       │ • Mark binder complete 🏷️📦 │
       └─────────┬─────────────┘
                 │
                 ▼
           🏁 Workflow Complete

🏁 Start Phase 1
     │
     ▼
🔍 Preliminary Binder Review
     │
     │ • Curator flags images for exhibition/catalogue 📌
     │ • Binder passed to digitization
     ▼
📂 Binder Organization
     │
     │ • Apply numbered tabs 🔢
     │ • Log object type, size, flagged/unflagged 📝
     │ • Track workflow in spreadsheet 📊
     ▼
🧽 Cleaning & Prep
     │
     │ • Clean copy stand & light panel ✨🧴
     │ • Wipe platens & lens 🔧
     │ • Dust blow each object 💨
     ▼
📦 Batch Grouping
     │
     │ • Group objects by size (10–30) 📏
     │ • Mark log: removed ✅ / returned ✅
     ▼
📸 Imaging / Scanning
     │
     ├── 🖼️ Prints Track
     │       │
     │       │ • Place on copy stand + white backdrop
     │       │ • Platen if curled 🪟
     │       │ • Capture front/back
     │       │ • Reference back writing ✍️
     │       ▼
     └── 🎞️ Negatives Track
             │
             │ • Place on light panel + non-reflective acrylic
             │ • Capture front/back
             │ • Acetate may need platen; glass plates usually no platen
             │ • Special handling: booklets / film strips 📚🎞️
             ▼
       🖥️ R/V Naming (Pre-Autocrop)
             │
             │ • Skip “p” files ❌
             │ • Sort by creation timestamp ⏱️
             │ • Rename pairs: r/v suffix ➡️
             ▼
       ✂️ ImageMagick Autocrop
             │
             │ • Terminal mogrify script: center, trim, shave, extent
             │ • Batch process PSDs (*.psd)
             ▼
       🖌️ Photoshop Actions
             │
             │ • Open PSD in Adobe Photoshop 2025 🖥️
             │ • Run “Before Crop” action from “Essential” set ⚡
             │ • Save edits / close document 💾
             ▼
💾 Export & File Creation
     │
     │ • PSD → TIFF & JPG 🖼️
     │ • Negative → Positive conversion 🔄
     │ • Manual contrast/brightness adjustment 🎨
     ▼
☁️ Backup & Organization
     │
     │ • Sort PSD / TIFF / JPG into binder folders 📁
     │ • Backup TIFFs to Google Drive ☁️
     │ • Convert TIFF → JPG in batch 🖼️➡️🖼️
     ▼
📤 Airtable Upload
     │
     │ • Upload 2–4 JPGs per record 🖼️🖼️🖼️
     │ • Bulk record creation ⚡
     │ • Arrange by binder/order 🗂️
     │ • Mark flagged images 🚩
     ▼
✅ Final Cross-Check
     │
     │ • Compare digital ↔ physical 🔍
     │ • Confirm all objects scanned
     │ • Mark binder complete 🏷️📦
     ▼
🏁 Phase 1 Complete