What if all photographs of archaeological artifacts were done in the same way. Not just in one museum, but in all of them – then everything could be presented as one image. This is the idea behind PHOTARCH.

  • The problem

    Before an archaeological artefact is either put on display in a museum or sent to storage, a picture is taken. Often using different lighting setups, different camera gear and different methods of photographing. Resulting in differently looking images. What if we did things differently?

  • A solution

    By adhering to a few key principles when taking the picture, using a method that can be easily replicable, at low cost, offering high quality and accuracy; then a unified image could be achieved. Making a combined collection scientifically useful as well as being publicly accessible.

Background

Within archaeology there’s a common practice to place objects against a neutral grey background. 

To agree on a percentage of “neutral grey” will differ from case to case. To make that grey consistent throughout the image is a challenge. 

What we can all agree on is that of 100% white. By pushing the histogram to the right, and have the highlight warning tell us when we reach the shadow, we can make that background disappear.

As an image is made up of all things within its frame, an image without a background leaves us with just the artifact. However, we want to keep the shadow that falls from the artifact. How do we make the background disappear while keeping the shadows?

One key light

No more light boxes. One key light from a fixed angle casting shadows at the same direction.

Shadows

When the grey images are sent for publication the editor usually asks for the background to be removed, and in so doing removing the shadows, leaving artefacts looking flat and shapeless. 

We need those shadows as they give us information about the object. By shooting against a white background, and pushing the highlights all the way towards the shadows we get an image consisting of the nothing but the artefact and its shadow.


Metadata

Everything from the archaeological record concerning the object is stored with its metadata, even the scale. If we want to see it we download the original file and open it un-cropped.

However, when displaying the object in a database, we need only the object itself – that is: no scale, no ruler, no color charts, no backgrounds. 

Databased

As we need to optimize our images for AI to interpret and make arrangement based on our criteria, we need readable data, free from obstructions i.e. busy backgrounds but full of information. 

  • Background

    White, blown out highlights.

  • One key light

    One light source, from a fixed angle.

  • Shadow

    Protecting the shadows.

About the project

PHOTARCH is a project by photographer turned archaeologist, Daniel Lindskog. By purchasing prints you are contributing to the spreading of the concept. Your support is much appreciated.

Have a follow on Instagram @photarch or have a look in the Archive for free to use examples. For more information on the project, please visit daniellindskog.com

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  • Skånes Fotodagar

    Skånes Fotodagar

    Presented PHOTARCH at Scania's Photo Day, as part of Sweden's Photo Days, an event organized by Kamera & Bild and Zoom Fotoresor.

    Skånes Fotodagar

    Presented PHOTARCH at Scania's Photo Day, as part of Sweden's Photo Days, an event organized by Kamera & Bild and Zoom Fotoresor.

  • EAA Rome

    EAA Rome

    Presented PHOTARCH at the annual EAA, The European Archaeological Association in 2024.

    EAA Rome

    Presented PHOTARCH at the annual EAA, The European Archaeological Association in 2024.

  • Rijksmuseum Amsterdam

    Rijksmuseum Amsterdam

    Presented Photarch at the prestigious Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam at the 2 and 3D conference. The conference that wrote the book on how to photograph objects, championing the middle grey background. As...

    Rijksmuseum Amsterdam

    Presented Photarch at the prestigious Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam at the 2 and 3D conference. The conference that wrote the book on how to photograph objects, championing the middle grey background. As...

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