Any number of things can happen to a stained glass window from fire, vandalism, hurricanes, hail and tornados. Having detailed accurate photographic documentation will help protect you and to help ensure you have the resource to accurately reproduce your windows in the event of a loss. Photographic documentation is very important in the event of an insurance claim, or in the event of a dispute between an owner and a contractor.

Photographic records should be made before any stained glass restoration project is undertaken. This will allow you to have detailed and accurate records for comparing the before and after restoration to help ensure specifications were followed.

We utilize both reflected and transmitted light for our photographic documentation of your stained glass windows. Transmitted light without a flash is important to show natural color and details, though it often gives a good representation of the stained glass, everything in the foreground is black and not visible. Proper documentation should also include photographs with the use of a flash to show the details not shown with transmitted light alone. The addition of a flash will show frame and installation details, bracing details such as round or flat reinforcing bars, condition of the lead, areas of copper foiling, and the addition of interior plating often found on Tiffany windows. The utilization of a flash is also beneficial when photographing opalescent glass as opalescent glass will often look different under transmitted light and reflected light.

NSGCS utilizes only high-end professional cameras and lenses to give you the best possible photographic documentation possible. We are also not afraid to get to those hard to reach windows and are comfortable on lifts and scaffolding. For examples of our photographic expertise just look at our website and gallery.