WHO THEY ARE: Photographer and Assistant Photographer, Penn Museum.

YEARS AT AT PENN: 13 years for Sarin and 5 for Chiappardi.

WHAT THEY DO: They take photographs of Museum objects for studies, publications and other museums around the world that request images.

HOW THEY GOT STARTED: Sarin volunteered with Museum photographers when she was a high school photography student. Chiappardi studied photography in college, and interned and freelanced here before she came on board full time.

MOST STRIKING THING THEY’VE EVER SHOT: Sarin was struck by the detail in the small Sommerville Gems; Chiappardi says she loved shooting Mayan pottery and Babylonian tablets.

FILM OR DIGITAL?: Both photographers agree—“I think film is far superior and more magical,” says Chiappardi. “Digital is fun and convenient.”

Originally published on September 7, 2006.