Managing Images

The Images form allows photographs and other images to be associated with a specimen.

Images provide a visual record of a specimen's appearance, preservation and condition. They may also document features such as close-up details, preparation stages, labels or locality information.

Multiple images can be attached to a single specimen, allowing a comprehensive photographic record to be built over time.

Existing Images

The panel at the top of the page lists all images currently associated with the specimen.

If no images have been uploaded, the page will display:

No images recorded for this specimen.

As images are added, this section provides access to each image together with its associated metadata.

Uploading an Image

Select Upload and choose an image from your computer.

Supported image formats include:

• JPG / JPEG
• PNG
• WEBP
• GIF

Individual files may be up to 200 MB in size.

Once uploaded, complete the image metadata before selecting Add image. The stored image path is managed automatically.

Field Reference

Field	Purpose
Upload image	Selects and uploads an image file from your computer.
Image type	Classifies the image (for example Overall View, Close-up, Aperture, Cross Section, Label, Locality, Preparation Stage or Microscope Image).
Caption	A short descriptive caption displayed alongside the image.
Photographer	Records who took the photograph. This may be yourself or another individual where appropriate.
Date taken	Records when the photograph was taken. This may differ from the upload date and helps document the specimen through time.
Licence	Records the copyright or licence associated with the image (for example Copyright © David Walker, CC BY 4.0 or Public Domain).
Image notes	Optional notes describing the image, photographic technique, lighting, magnification or features of interest.
Add image	Saves the uploaded image and its metadata, associating it with the current specimen.

Suggested Image Types

Examples of useful image categories include:

• Overall specimen
• Front view
• Rear view
• Side view
• Aperture
• Cross section
• Close-up detail
• Surface ornament
• Suture pattern
• Label
• Locality photograph
• In situ photograph
• Preparation stage
• Microscope image
• UV image

The available image types may be customised to suit the needs of your collection.

Best Practices

• Photograph specimens against a clean, uncluttered background.
• Capture multiple views rather than relying on a single image.
• Include a scale where appropriate.
• Record photographs before and after preparation if the specimen is modified.
• Use meaningful captions that describe what is being shown.
• Record the photographer and date taken whenever known.
• Preserve original image files where possible.

Why Record Images?

Images are an important part of the scientific record.

While measurements and descriptions capture structured information, photographs preserve details that may later prove significant, such as colour, preservation, damage or fine morphological features.

Maintaining a photographic history also allows changes in a specimen's condition to be documented over time, providing a visual complement to the rest of the specimen record.