Beyond the Frame – Phase One Stories
Welcome to Beyond the Frame – Phase One Stories, where we shine a spotlight on the talented individuals who contribute to the innovation and success of Phase One. This series takes you behind the scenes to meet the people shaping our company, showcasing their unique roles, day-to-day experiences, and the shared values that make Phase One exceptional.
Whether working in the lab, capturing the world through a lens, or supporting customers across the globe, each story offers a personal perspective on the collaborative spirit and expertise that define us. Join us in celebrating the people who bring Phase One to life.
A journey that spans decades: Eric’s history with Phase One
Eric Joakim’s association with Phase One dates way back. Long before he officially joined the Phase One team, he was an early adopter and advocate for the company’s technology.
“Although I’ve been working directly for Phase One for 23 years, my journey actually started even earlier—in 1994—when the first Phase One scan back was introduced,” Eric recalls. “I was fortunate enough to be the first person in the UK to sell Phase One digital backs, starting with that very first model. Back then, I was working in the partner channel and later became a distributor for Phase One in the UK.”
When Phase One invited Eric to join the company full-time, it felt like a natural next step. “I didn’t hesitate,” he says. “Phase One’s technology had already made a huge impact on me, and I knew I wanted to be part of where the company was heading.”
Over the years, Eric has taken on a variety of roles within Phase One, always focused on sales and product management. His work has taken him around the globe, meeting customers and partners from different industries and cultures. “One of the things I’ve always appreciated is how much I’ve learned from traveling and engaging with such a diverse range of clients,” Eric says.
Reflecting on the company’s evolution, Eric points out how Phase One has expanded its reach and capabilities. “When I first started, we were manufacturing digital camera backs that attached to other companies’ camera bodies,” he explains. “Now, we provide full imaging solutions across several sectors—including Cultural Heritage, Photography, Aerial Imaging, and even Space. It’s been amazing to watch the company grow and diversify while maintaining a strong commitment to quality and innovation.”
Despite Phase One’s growth, Eric emphasizes the importance of the company’s close-knit culture. “There’s a core group of us who’ve been here for many years, and that continuity—combined with the fresh perspectives of newer team members—gives us a unique advantage,” he says. “It creates a dynamic environment where deep experience and new ideas work hand-in-hand.”
Explore PhaseOne’s imaging applications for culture heritage preservation.
A mission that matters
For Eric, working in the Cultural Heritage sector is more than just a job—it’s a calling.
“It’s impossible to overstate how important it is to preserve our cultural heritage for future generations,” he says. “These collections—whether they’re ancient manuscripts, historical documents, or priceless works of art—are irreplaceable. The opportunity to play even a small role in ensuring their survival is a privilege.”
Eric’s work frequently takes him behind the scenes of some of the world’s most renowned libraries, museums, and archives. “One of the perks of this job is getting access to areas that the public never sees,” he shares. “That’s where some of the most fascinating and unusual artifacts are kept. It’s always an incredible experience to be up close with these pieces of history.”
One area of technological advancement that excites Eric is multispectral imaging systems. “It’s incredible what we can uncover using multispectral imaging,” he explains. “Hidden texts, underlying sketches, details about the pigments and materials used in artifacts—it’s like solving a mystery. And the fact that our technology can help institutions reveal and understand these hidden details is tremendously rewarding.”
Eric has witnessed firsthand how the demand for high-quality digitization has grown over the years. “Sadly, disasters like fires and floods, as well as conflicts, have destroyed many cultural artifacts,” he says. “These events are tragic, but they’ve highlighted how crucial it is to create accurate, high-resolution digital copies that can preserve these items for future study and appreciation.”
Helping institutions reach their goals
Eric’s approach to working with cultural institutions is highly collaborative. “No two institutions are the same,” he says. “Each one has its own unique workflow, challenges, and goals. That’s why it’s so important to take the time to fully understand their specific needs before recommending a solution.”
He explains that equipment is often purchased for specific projects, which means there’s a wide range of requirements to consider. “A project might involve digitizing rare books in fragile condition, or it could be about capturing detailed images of ancient textiles. Each use case demands a tailored solution that ensures both quality and efficiency.”
Eric works closely with Phase One’s global network of Authorized Partners to deliver these solutions. “Our partners are essential to our success,” he says. “I spend a lot of time collaborating with them—whether it’s providing training, offering support, or working together on demonstrations.”
His role is incredibly varied. “One day I could be in a lab in Europe, helping a client digitize old maps, and the next I’m in a darkened room in Asia, carrying out a multispectral imaging demo on a medieval manuscript,” he laughs. “No two days are ever the same, and that’s part of what makes this job so rewarding.”
Eric also values the sense of community in the Cultural Heritage field. “People in this industry are very open and willing to share their experiences,” he says. “There’s a real spirit of collaboration, and we’re proud to be part of that. Tools like NimbusQA—our free online image analysis tool—have been really well received. It’s great to offer something valuable back to the community and see it being used to support high-quality digitization efforts around the world.”
Eric’s passions outside of work
When he’s not working with institutions to preserve history, Eric enjoys spending time with his family in the English countryside.
“We’re fortunate to live in a beautiful part of the UK with lots of opportunities for walking and getting outdoors,” he says. “It’s a great way to relax and recharge.”
Eric is also a big sports fan. “My wife, son, and I share a love of Formula One, and we try to go to at least one race each season,” he shares. “It’s something we really enjoy doing together. I’m also into American Football and usually make it to the London Games every year.”
When they’re not watching sports, the family enjoys cultural outings of a different kind. “We love going to the theatre, watching live music, or seeing a comedy show,” Eric says. “We have some fantastic small venues near us, which make for a more intimate experience. And every now and then, we’ll treat ourselves to a trip to the West End in London, especially if there’s a show or actor we’re excited to see.”
The future of cultural heritage imaging
As Eric looks to the future, he’s excited about where Cultural Heritage imaging is heading. “The technology is advancing rapidly,” he says. “We’re seeing improvements in resolution, color accuracy, and workflow automation that are making it easier and more cost-effective to digitize large collections. And with the growing importance of multispectral and hyperspectral imaging, I think we’re going to unlock even more secrets hidden in artifacts.”
He’s proud of Phase One’s role in this evolving landscape. “We’re committed to providing solutions that not only meet today’s standards but set the bar for the future,” he says. “Whether it’s through hardware, software, or community initiatives, we’re dedicated to supporting the people and institutions working to preserve our shared cultural heritage.”
Eric Joakim’s story is just one example of the passion and dedication that drives Phase One forward. Stay tuned for more stories from Beyond the Frame, where we introduce you to the people shaping our technology and making a difference around the world.
Discover PhaseOne’s cameras capturing culture heritage imagery.
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