Geraldine Baum

I have been involved in, fascinated by and dedicated to photography for over 20 years, be it in the technology, skill and artistic vision that produces the images or the equally creative and important aspect of the preservation of the fragile final product.

Art conservancy requires more than  a scientific approach to the treatment of  the materials. The conservation and preservation of our artistic achievements and memories requires both the skills of a technician and the sensitivity of an artist who will maintain the original vision, be it a a faded photograph or damaged negative with the knowledge and sensitivity to release, not to alter, the original work.

My educational experience began with the BFA program in Photography at Long Island University, where I studied under Joan Powers in a Photography Department created by Alfred Stieglitz. Upon graduation I was  a researcher and archivist at Photo Impact, a specialized photojournalism agency in New York.  This position lead to my assisting  photojournalists and working on a number of interesting projects.  During this time I also worked as an Assistant Teacher and attended The International Center of Photography.  I have worked as an Educator at the American Museum of the Moving Image, where I learned about museum conservancy and archiving.

Since relocating to Los Angeles in 2005, I now work with renowned Jazz photographer Herman Leonard and have organized the preservation and archiving of his most important and fragile work – a collection of 60,000 negatives spanning more than 60 years.  The archiving of Herman Leonard’s work ensures his art will remain a photographic and artistic legacy for generations.  In addition to archiving this massive body of iconic images, I have organized worldwide museum and gallery exhibits, book publications, licensing and press coverage.

I have also worked as a photographer for national magazines including Town & Country, Wine & Spirits and Smart Money, as well as Studio Manager for Swiss photographer Stefan Studer.

I have started this blog with the intention of exploring the ever changing world of photography preservation and archiving.  I welcome your feedback, comments and suggestions.

Geraldine Baum
January 2010