Multimedia: Photography

The following image collections feature image related to the history of the medium:

• Library of Congress | Prints & Photographs Online Catalog - Provides access to a wide variety of historical photographic prints.
• New York Public Library | Digital Gallery: Photography Collection
• Art Institute of Chicago Digital Archive - Photography Collection
• Image Permanence Institute - Photography Timeline - Highlights historical and current processes for making photographic prints.

Using Alt Text

What is Alt Text?

• Alt (alternative) text is a textual alternative to non-text content in web pages that conveys meaning and content of image.

Why is Alt Text important?

• It can be read out loud to visually or cognitively impaired users.
• Provides an alternative for people with unstable internet by displaying the text when an image won't load.

Writing Alt Text Tips:

• Be as accurate and concise as possible
• Pay close attention to the context of an image and how it could be misinterpreted
• Describe the function of the image within the greater piece

For more information, visit FIU Libraries Accessibility.

Examples Providing Context

• An image can vary in meaning depending on the context of the greater message/meaning of the piece 
  • ex. An image of a runner running around the track in Chiles at the University of Portland. In an article about track turn-out, the alt text could be "One lone runner trains on the track." In an article about the amenities present in Chiles, the alt text could be "The indoor track on the second floor of The Chiles Center."

For more information, visit Harvard University Image Accessibility.

Sources:

• "Alt Text Image Best Practices." FIU Libraries, FIU Libraries Accessibility.
• "Write good Alt Text to describe images." Harvard University, Harvard University Image Accessibility.

For digitizing film, visit the following resource for best practices related to film scanning:

• Library of Congress Recommended Scanning Formats

These organizations support the professional development of photographers:

• American Society of Media Photographers - Provides information for professional photographers related to technical and career opportutnities.
• Society for Photographic Education - National organization devoted to promoting resources for photographic education.
• Photo Lucida - Portland non-profit organization creating exhibition opportunities for local, national and international artists through portfolio reviews.

 These organizations showcase contemporary photographers:

• Museum of Contemporary Photography - Showcases emerging and mid-career artists through exhibition.
• Foam Magazine - Amsterdam based gallery and magazine highlighting international contemporary photographic practice.
• Filter Photo Festival | Chicago - Organization that highlights the work of international artists through its annual festival and exhibition.
• F- Stop Magazine - Offers a host of resources regarding the medium including new texts, exhibition opportunities and other online resources.