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 D1H B. 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 SHEET Project 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