ABSTRACT
The artifact photograph is a technical image that can be used to illustrate an object. From this the archaeologist has a record giving an excellent visual impression of the object and from which simple measurements can be taken. In some cases the photograph may be used to record a structure on a site and its survival over a number of years (Figure 12.1). Artifact photography is not intended to be artistic, although there is no reason why it should not be so. The photograph is a perspective view, so that unless special techniques are used, it is only possible to take measurements from the plane in which the scale lies. The main criteria for a good artifact photograph are that (1) the scale should be well placed so measurements can be taken of the object, (2) the object should be evenly illuminated against a sensibly contrasting background with no harsh shadows obscuring the profile, (3) the view should be symmetrical about the major axes of the object, and (4) the object and the photograph should be able to be easily identified.
