Field and Laboratory Photography

Photography has been long accepted as one method to assist in recording a site.  It is also quite valuable in transmitting detailed information about artifacts.  The course is concerned with the uses of photography in the field and the laboratory.  This is not a technical photography course.

Bibliography & Glossary (PDF)

Class Outline

1. The role of photography in archaeology



2. Responsibilities of the project photographer



3. Basic equipment needed in the field & laboratory
   1. Cameras
   2. Accessories
   3. Lenses
   4. Film and digital storage cards
   5. Suggestions on equipment care


4. Basic elements of photography
   1. Film speed
   2. Aperture
   3. Shutter speed
   4. Light exposure meter
   5. More about the digital world


5. General instructions for taking photographs



6. Field photography
   1. Types of photographs taken on-site
   2. Items to be included in the pictures


7. Laboratory photography
   1. Types of photographs taken in the lab
   2. Information retrieved from lab photos


8. Specialized photography used in archaeological field work
   1. Aerial photography
   2. Infrared photography