Page 360 - Green - Maritime Archaeology: A Technical Handbook. 2nd ed

Chapter 12: Artifact Photography 339 D. MATTE SURFACE
A matte textured surface such as sacking or canvas can be used effec- tively in certain circumstances. It reduces the contrast effects of the shadows while still giving a pleasing background to the object.
V. INCIDENTALS A. CAMERA BOX
A camera box is the most practical means of storing the many pieces of photographic equipment needed for field work. There are two different types of camera box—one for underwater cameras and another for land cameras. Because underwater cameras are quite robust, they only require a simple carrying box. The box does not have to be watertight, because the cameras are naturally watertight and the spare lenses have watertight back caps. However, for land cameras, the situation is quite different, because the cameras and the associated equipment are fairly delicate and need to be carefully padded to prevent damage, particularly to stop them rubbing together during transport. A commercially available robust, watertight camera box is a good choice. This can be compartmentalized to fit cameras, a large flash, a flash meter, lenses, and a slide-copying system, together with numerous accessories, filters, tools, etc. The lid can be quite simply modified to hold about 50 film cassettes, a small bottle of CRC, and lens cleaning fluid (Figure 12.8).
The camera box then contains every requirement for field photography. It can be taken into the field, on expeditions, or for small field trips, and it is small enough to be accepted as hand baggage on most airlines. On mobile reconnaissance on foot, such a system would be quite impossible to carry very far, as it would weigh as much as 18 kg; a waterproof shoulder bag is recommended for mobile work.
B. TRIPOD
A heavy-duty tripod is another essential item of photographic equipment particularly when taking photographs of objects at low light levels. Some care is needed in the selection of this, as a flimsy tripod can magnify the movements of the mirror and shutter on an SLR camera. Additionally, a lateral arm enabling the camera to be mounted off-center from the tripod, to take downward views of maps and plans, is recommended.