Documental Photography: Supportive Techniques for Archaeology and Art

History

Gene Berryhill, Ph.D. Fulbright Sr. Specialist

University of Maryland - UMUC

Basic Equipment Review - Field A. My Camera: Digital Nikon D1HB. Lenses: 2

1.All around travel: 28-105 mm zoom (AF Nikkor 1:3.5-4.5 D) MACRO SETTING

2.Distance: 70-210 mm zoom (AF Nikkor 1:4-5.6) Telephoto

C. Flash Cards: 512 – 2 GB D. Flash Unit and extra batteries (AA-8 total)E. Second battery pack – Recording Journal, pen, pencil for drawing

(Field Journal Data Sheet)G. UV Barrier Filter- Protection for your lens and helps

correct scattering of light at a distance.

Useful Lenses

- Short: wide angle – steeper more distortion on images (closer up)

- Long: Telephoto – lower contrast, perspective flattened, less distortion (farther away)

Perspective Corrections: possible distortion

- Increase the distance between the camera and object.

- If distortion can’t be helped, use Photoshop’s perspective, warp and

distortion tools to make corrections in the studio.

Best Practices - Field- Batteries

- Camera set up

- Extra Flash Cards

- Intended Uses

-Sizing, Resolution

- Frame as you shoot

- Levels

- Consider the composition

- Shoot surrounding areas

- Shoot image with and without a scale.

- Measure artifacts

- Shoot at even levels

- Keep lenses clean

Lighting-Try a non-flash shot first

- Bouncing and diffusion

- Hot spots, reflections, color casts

- Reflectors

- Natural lighting

3 Basic Types for close-up-Lighting the sides (artifact)

- Face on

- Diffused

- Low light: tripod/monopod, stationary objects

- Textures

- Time of day

- Flood lights

Architecture- Record phases

- Exteriors - main points

- Relevant features

- Good composition, aesthetic appeal

- Good mid-ranges, maintain details

Record Keeping -Keep good records

- Field book notes

- Thumbnail sketches

- First shot of the day

- Field journal shots

- Record techniques and set ups

FIELD JOURNAL DATA SHEETProject

Your Name Today’s date #________

Observations:

Name of Artifact

Date and Location of Discovery

Detailed Description: color/value, texture/patterns, form, line, lighting, space.

Material, Medium and Size

Analysis:

Who made the artifact?

Projected Age (if known)

What cultural clues are present?

What was the purpose of the artifact?

What are other objects and surroundings nearby?

Draw a thumbnail sketch for reference.

Part 2:

Archiving Image Prepping Presentation

Best Practices: Studio- Prep for at least 3 situations

- Maintain the originals

- Enhancements

- Types of presentations

- Record your Photoshop applications

Publications and Presentation- Books:

- Have a plan -Hard Copy- e Books

- Case Studies- Websites - Exhibitions - Online Galleries

Sorting and Archiving- Adobe Lightroom

- Have a good system in place

-Workable database

- Burn on Disks--CDs, DVDs