Map Reproduction Work with Hasselblad HD4-40

I've been assigned to shoot a series of antique maps of Malaysia for a reproduction work. The maps belong to a local collector and the images will be featured in a book Published by Editions Didier Millet. We decided to shoot this assignment with a medium format to get the highest detail possible.

Pre-production

Before any work start, I had a briefing meeting with the publisher. The purpose is to discuss the scope of work and layout everything on the table. During this discussion, we investigate all possible outcome of the shoot, from the date and time, logistics, shoot schedule, the shoot list, props (if necessary), the method of shooting and some other issues. Once we've cleared this out, we can list out the costs involved which are essentially fees plus expenses. From here, we went on a recce session to check out the location and the items and see if there are any other issues to be sorted out. Once I got all information that I needed, I sent out the quote and waited for approval.

*To draw up the quote, I went on a lookout for equipment rental services and glass makers to supply a 4'x5' glass to be used during the shoot. 

The Call

Within the same week, I got a call to say that the quote is OK and it's a go. Cool!

What now?

Once I got the green light, I quickly confirm my booking with the rental house, FLIER PLE (www.flierple.com). I rented a Hasselblad H4D-40, 120mm f4 macro lens, and two units of Profoto D1 air 1000ws with a pair of 3'x4' softbox. I also rented a pair of C-stands and arms to clip the glass sandwich where the maps are going to be placed.

Before work begins, I did a few test shots with the HD4-40 at the rental house to make sure that all is good to go.

Here are the results. Click for larger image:

The details on the maps are similar as the RM1 note's line drawing on Mount Kinabalu. Check out how small Mount Kinabalu is in this image.

Look at how much detail that the H4D-40 captured. All good to go!

Finally, I also made sure that I've assembled my team of assistants and briefed them about the work.

Shoot Day

The owner of the maps wanted us to shoot super early so that we can finish early. We arrived on location at 7am and estimated the shoot to finish at 5pm, which included a 1-hr lunch-break. We had 14 maps to shoot and proceeded with the session. My team was super fantastic that it turns out that we completed all the map shoot at 3pm. It was amazing!

Post-Production

The images are currently being processed and due for delivery within 2-weeks. We got most of it right on location and post production work now comprises of some edging out, and colour checks and stitching if necessary.

Credits

I couldn't have done it without the help of these fantastic friends:

Assistants

Azwan Fakaruddin

Tunku Ishak

Video

Aiman Amir (SR Production)

Shah

Support (FLIER PLE)

Leong

Wan

Check out the Behind The Scenes video here, courtesy of Aiman Amir from SR Production.

Here's a group photo of our team.