EPISODE 2: "INSIDE DT" EDITION, Ben Cort Talks Technical Problem Solving in Cultural Heritage Digitization

What does it actually take to solve the toughest digitization challenges — in the field, under pressure, and with no room for error?

In this special Inside DT edition of Wider Lens, we sit down with Ben Cort, Digital Transitions’ Cultural Heritage Technical Support Specialist, for a focused, behind-the-scenes look at the technical expertise that powers preservation-grade digitization.

In this episode, we unpack:

• The real-world challenges institutions face when digitizing complex and fragile collections
• What it takes to troubleshoot and optimize high-performance digitization systems
• How technical decisions impact image quality, workflow efficiency, and long-term preservation outcomes
• Lessons learned from working directly with institutions in the field
• The intersection of engineering, photography, and conservation in modern digitization
• Why experience and problem-solving matter as much as hardware and software
• We also explore the human side of technical support — from unexpected edge cases to the mindset required to solve problems quickly and effectively in high-stakes environments.

This shorter Inside DT format highlights the people behind the work — the specialists who help institutions implement, maintain, and evolve their digitization programs.

Whether you’re running a digitization lab, evaluating new systems, or simply want a deeper understanding of what goes on behind the scenes, this episode offers a practical look at the expertise required to do this work at the highest level.

🎧 Listen now to go inside DT — and see how technical problem solving drives successful digitization programs.

And as always, we welcome feedback, comments, and questions. Let us know what you'd like to hear on this podcast, or if you'd like to be a guest. Email us at: widerlens@digitaltransitions.com

Additional Notes from this episode:

• Constantin Brâncuși Art: https://www.wikiart.org/en/constantin-brancusi
• DT's Online Digitization Certification Courses: https://heritage-digitaltransitions.com/dt-digitization-certification-program/
• DT's "Digitization Program Planning Guide" Bundle: https://heritage-digitaltransitions.com/product/cultural-heritage-digitization-planning-bundle-solutions-guide-digitization-program-planning-guide-pdf/