Page 238 - Green - Maritime Archaeology: A Technical Handbook. 2nd ed

Chapter 8
Field Photography
I. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Photography plays an essential part in underwater archaeology as it is an extremely practical method of recording information. This chapter deals with the role of photography in the field and includes aspects of terrestrial and underwater photography, particularly general underwater photo- graphic recording and recording aspects of the surface operation of the expedition or field work. Additionally, the use of video cameras and remote operating vehicles is discussed. Technical site recording photography and photogrammetry is dealt with in Chapter 6 and artifact photography is dealt with in Chapter 12.
There are a number of different types of photography which the archae- ologist has to consider when planning field work. The amount of work gen- erated on an archaeological site can be enormous and can create serious logistic problems, particularly if the team is small or the site is deep. Because underwater photography is usually the most important part of the photo- graphic work and requires considerable skill, it is generally advisable to choose a person who is an experienced underwater photographer and who would be totally dedicated to underwater photography. This person can then be involved in other aspects of expedition photography, although others may be available to take on the terrestrial photography, including the artifact photography and general darkroom work.
When considering the selection and role of an expedition photographer it is essential to understand that the nature of the work requires the pho- tographer to be physically divorced from the archaeology. Observing an
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