Archaeological photography involves creating a permanent photographic record of archaeological projects, including sites before, during, and after excavation, as well as artifacts. Digital technology has improved the field but also poses challenges. Those interested in becoming archaeological photographers should have a background in both photography and archaeology.
Archaeological photography is the practice of photographing the many facets of archaeological work to create a lasting record of that work. The specific job of an archaeological photographer usually involves tasks such as taking photos of a site before, during and after an excavation and photographing artifacts. In the early 21st century, much archaeological photography is done digitally, a technological development that has improved the field while also posing unique challenges. Those who wish to become archaeological photographers might consider a course of study that focuses on both photography and archeology.
It is the job of an archaeological photographer to create a permanent photographic record of archaeological projects. By capturing the different elements of these projects on film, the photographer provides visual data that can later be studied by archaeologists working on that particular project, academic researchers, museum curators, and anyone who wishes to gain insight into past civilizations. One of the reasons archaeological photography is so important in the field of archeology is that once a site has been excavated, it cannot be restored to its original state. Therefore, photographs can provide a lasting record of a site before and during excavation.
In most cases, much of an archaeological photographer’s work is done on site. He usually takes photos of the excavation as it goes, showing, for example, where and how a particular artifact was when it was discovered. It can also photograph the area surrounding a site to record what it looked like when it was excavated. Often, the other primary component of an archaeological photographer’s job is to photograph each artifact recovered during an excavation in such a way that its detail and scale are clear. This activity can be performed in a laboratory, museum or other off-site location.
In late 2011, archaeological photography has largely become a digital medium. Digital technology has many advantages for archaeological photographers. It allows them, for example, to check the quality and composition of each shot before leaving an excavation site, and it also allows them to share photographs quickly and cheaply. However, this technology also poses some challenges. For example, to create authentic artifact recordings, photographers must resist the temptation to over-correct their images using photo software.
Those who wish to become archaeological photographers will likely need to have a background in both photography and archeology. The archeology departments of some colleges and universities offer courses that focus specifically on archaeological photography. Alternatively, a student may wish to complete a double major in these subjects or earn a bachelor’s degree in one of the subjects and a master’s degree in the other.
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