ABSTRACT
In this unit we look at the fi rst way: using photography, fi lm and video, like a notepad and sketchbook, as techniques for fi eld recording.
In almost every country, photography is now commonplace, and cheap but reliable digital cameras are widely available. Mobile phones (cellphones) have better and better-quality camera features, with the limitations of very small chip sizes and simple optics. Museums should all have cameras, and staff should carry them everywhere, especially whenever they are undertaking fieldwork. The camera should become as familiar as a pencil and notebook, and be used in the same way. Photography is a wonderful technique for field recording, and all collecting should be accompanied by the taking of photographs. Though high-quality photography is still a specialist skill, anyone can take adequate photographs with a modern camera, and all museum workers should be able to achieve adequate results.
