maps: maps are amazing things. I think they can make fantastic textures and I think they can serve a wonderful still life components. But they are full of problems too. For example...

pfrancke Loc: cold Maine

maps are amazing things. I think they can make fantastic textures and I think they can serve a wonderful still life components. But they are full of problems too. For example, the map I used above was but 6 inches wide in a book. And I ran into all kinds of issues getting an even mediocre shot of it. Focus was bad, DOF was troublesome and bad (I wasn't properly square to the map), and the list goes on and on.

So... some questions (please add you own questions - add you own answers - add your own consideration!)
Where can you get ancient maps online as images?
Where can you get ancient map reproductions of a reasonable size (three feet square?)
I tried to photograph down, but I think setting the book upright might have been better?

All things Map - please help, please share.

take a shot and put a map behind it! Show me how it works - show me What works.

(Download)

Frank2013 Loc: San Antonio, TX. & Milwaukee, WI.

Not sure if this will help or not. http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/world.html Piet.

pfrancke Loc: cold Maine

Frank2013 wrote:

Not sure if this will help or not. http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/world.html Piet.

From TX no less. It is a remarkable collection of jpg maps, including county level pre 1945 topographic maps. This is an unbelievable resource that I will treasure. I am going to spend a lot of time exploring. Thank you Frank, I owe you big.

Snap Shot Loc: California

Piet, Google Old World maps! There are a 1,000 places from which to order!

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

pfrancke wrote:

maps are amazing things. I think they can make fa... (show quote)

If you haven't found this one, check it out http://thepaintedhive.net/free-printables/. This is the link to the main site, which has many interesting resources that are conducive to making composites of the sort you seem to like, but towards the bottom of the page there are links to Map History and Dave Rumsey, sites that specialize in maps and have many free downloadable maps linked. Lots to explore for those who like Old Stuff.

Dave Chinn

pfrancke wrote:

maps are amazing things. I think they can make fa... (show quote)

Piet, it looks as though you have gotten a lot of help in the map area, but I want to comment on your posted image. I like this very much !!! It gives me the impression of a 'World Traveler', an outstanding concept. Not knowing whats on your walls, I would consider printing, framing and hanging this one in a den or a room of that sort. Very well done !!!
Dave

pfrancke Loc: cold Maine

Snap Shot wrote:

Piet, Google Old World maps! There are a 1,000 places from which to order!

Hi Bill - INDEED you are right. Such a simple search - now I have to find a couple that I like. There are LOTS of them - thank you for steering me in a good direction. Thank you.

pfrancke Loc: cold Maine

minniev wrote:

If you haven't found this one, check it out http://thepaintedhive.net/free-printables/. This is the link to the main site, which has many interesting resources that are conducive to making composites of the sort you seem to like, but towards the bottom of the page there are links to Map History and Dave Rumsey, sites that specialize in maps and have many free downloadable maps linked. Lots to explore for those who like Old Stuff.

Hi Min, thank you. I was not aware of this site. It is rich in cool stuff. Many things besides just maps. It is amazing how many resources there are out there.

pfrancke Loc: cold Maine

Dave Chinn wrote:

Piet, it looks as though you have gotten a lot of help in the map area, but I want to comment on your posted image. I like this very much !!! It gives me the impression of a 'World Traveler', an outstanding concept. Not knowing whats on your walls, I would consider printing, framing and hanging this one in a den or a room of that sort. Very well done !!!
Dave

thank you Dave - just goes to show how much character you can get from including a map. I thought it might work well with a flying bird, I am certainly going to try with wooden model ships - I think maps can make cool backgrounds and/or textures.

minniev Loc: MIssissippi

pfrancke wrote:

Hi Min, thank you. I was not aware of this site. It is rich in cool stuff. Many things besides just maps. It is amazing how many resources there are out there.

As much as you photograph animals, some of the old illustrations from zoology manuals might prove good backgrounds or textures.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Dave Chinn wrote:

It gives me the impression of a 'World Traveler', an outstanding concept...Dave

Very well said! I agree and like this work a lot, Piet, though maybe with a less scary bird?

pfrancke Loc: cold Maine

Linda From Maine wrote:

Very well said! I agree and like this work a lot, Piet, though maybe with a less scary bird?

hey! It is the principle - you still have all 10 fingers and thumbs right?

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

pfrancke wrote:

hey! It is the principle - you still have all 10 fingers and thumbs right?

Let me check...OK, all good

jenny Loc: in hiding:)

Great idea Piet, all sorts of maps, as backgrounds enlarged and blurred, or as the
base upon which you place......... whatever strikes your fancy!

pfrancke Loc: cold Maine

jenny wrote:

Great idea Piet, all sorts of maps, as backgrounds enlarged and blurred, or as the
base upon which you place......... whatever strikes your fancy!

YES - I absolutely want to find some cool maps that would serve as a prop to set things on. I can't remember who did it, but I remember an image of an old map and some old coins stacked on it with other objects also.