Next generation mineral photography - the case and guide for taking 360-degree spin photographs

Abstract

This article presents a workflow and guide on how to take "360 degree" photographs of mineral specimens whereby the specimen is rotated on a turntable and numerous still photographs of are taken of the specimen. Digital post-processing facilitates the creation of interactive photographs that can be viewed online in a web browser whereby the mineral specimen can be manipulated and rotated at will. Whilst the focus of this article is mineralogical specimens, it is equally applicable to petrological and fossil specimens. A brief discussion on the merits and need for such photographs is also given including benefits that are specifically relevant to the curatorial community.