Ft. Worth, TexasJune 22-25, 2003

Frank Jaramillo, Jr.

Registration Associate

Texas Feed & Fertilizer Control Service

Effective Documentary Samples Using Digital

Photography

Topics of Discussion

• Purpose and use of documentary samples

• Benefits of digital photography as a sampling tool

• Camera specifications for field use

• Recording the best image possible

• General considerations

Purpose and Use of Documentary Samples

• Provide inspection sample when a physical sample is not available

• Physical sample may be too expensive

• Not enough product to sample

• Establish non-compliance with licensing and registration

• Document situation

Benefits of Digital Photography For Sampling

• Documentary samples do not have to be bought

• Label intact when physically sampled

• Photos of adulterated/misbranded

• Photos can be transmitted immediately

• Easy to use cameras

Document Situation

Document Situation

$22/Qt Retail Sample

Label Remains Intact

Adulterated/Misbranded

Adulterated

Adulterated

Digital “Film”

• Pixel – picture element

• Pixel can only record 1 color (RGB)

• More pixels capture more information

• Resolution is the number of pixels per linear inch

• Higher pixels and resolution provides better photos

Camera Specifications for Field Use

• At least 3 mega pixels– Makes decent 8”x10” prints

• Quality brand– Sony, Nikon, Canon, Olympus

• Zoom lens• Long battery life (> 2 hours)

– Li-ion or Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH)– NiCd batteries lose charge capacity

Camera Specifications for Field Use

• Storage media– High capacity (≥64MB)– Removable– Fast write capacity (no floppies)

• File format TIFF or JPEG• Interfaces with USB port• Automatic with programmed modes• On-camera Flash

Camera Specifications for Wish List

• Manual settings

• Record voice notes per picture

• Record 30s of audio and video

• Removable lens

• Removable flash

• Wireless transmission of photo to computer or printer

Recording the BestImage Possible

• RTFM-read the fascinating manual

• Practice with the camera

• Stabilize camera

• Take the photo under natural lighting

• Use flash in poor lighting

• Keep camera parallel to subject

Recording the BestImage Possible

• Fill the frame/view screen

• Take several pictures– Complete container– Focus on label sections

• Guarantee Analysis• Ingredient Statement• Informational Panels

Good PhotoFills frame, parallel & light

Good PhotoClose-up

Good PhotoFills frame, parallel & light

Good PhotoMultiple Photos

General Hints

• Use programmed settings

• Use good lighting

• Watch backgrounds– Dark subject/bright background– White subject/dark background

General Hints

• Polarizing filter reduces glare

• Early morning and late afternoon best for pictures of facilities

• Use tripod

Common Camera Icons

Small Label Photography

• Use the “macro” setting

• Get closer– Do not zoom in– Use widest lens setting

• Create the largest file possible

• Try not to use flash

• Watch for your shadow

Good Lighting

Flash didn’t re-charge?

Reflective Surfaceflatten out

Cover with something opaque

One photo to transmit

Product Shipping Documentation

Shipping Information

Use as copier

Display and Product Label

Considerations

• Lighting may not be optimal

• Check photos on laptop

• Use fresh batteries for flash/recording

• Lag time between photo setup and shot

• Uses up hard drive space

• Transmission time for via phone

Considerations

• Invest in backup equipment

• Protect equipment

• Do not compress files for transmission

• Use quality photo editor– Photoshop– Corel Graphics Suite 11

• Firm may not permit cameras in facility

Summary

• Get a good camera

• Practice using your camera

• Take the time to set-up the shot

• Take plenty of pictures

• Review photo on laptop

Training Session

• Breakout into teams

• Practice on a large product container

• Practice on a small container

• Think about what is important for documentation

THANK YOU

Mariachi and Ladies