Photographs are an important part of recording a war memorial. They provide a record of the memorial’s condition and help to identify conservation and repair issues. These guidelines will assist you in ensuring that the photographs you take are of a suitable format and quality.
Download our full guide to photographing war memorials.
Quality and resolution
- Please use the highest quality setting on your camera or device.
- Set the image quality to high or fine. The minimum resolution should be 150dpi.
- Photos should be in jpeg, png or gif format.
- Photos must be less than 8MB but as large and clear as possible.
- The image size of photos that you upload should be at least 2 Megapixels in size, or approximately 1600 × 1200 pixels.
Lighting
- When possible, shoot with your back to the sun, as opposed to facing towards the sun; this will avoid potential overexposure and lens flare.
- If you are taking a photo of a memorial in a glass cabinet, such as a Roll of Honour, avoid using the camera flash or take the photo from a slight angle in order to minimise reflections.
What to photograph
Your photographs should show, as a minimum:
- Setting: Take a photo of the war memorial in its wider surroundings, including any gardens, trees or plaques nearby.
- Front: Take a photo of the front of the memorial, straight on.
- Sides: Take a photo of each side of the memorial, clearly showing any details, inscriptions or decorative elements.
- Damage: Take close-up photos of any area/s where there is damage or areas of concern. This may include graffiti, cracks, plant growth, unstable stonework, deteriorated mortar joints etc.
- Plaques: A photograph should be taken of each plaque, showing as much close-up detail as possible. If there are veterans’ names listed on the war memorial, please take a photo of these plaques, showing as much detail as possible.
- Anything else you think is important to show about the war memorial.
1. War memorial in its setting
2. All sides of the war memorial, taken front on
3. Close-ups of plaques and inscriptions
4. Any areas of concern, damage or special interest