Small Artifacts Lighting Setup

Here is the lighting setup I've been using to photograph the smaller artifacts I've documented.

Basically, I've built a light box attached to a light table. But since this is of my doing, there's not much basic about it, and while it gets needlessly complicated, it has proven itself to be quite effective.




Click thumbnails to read explanations and view larger @ Flickr























Click thumbnails to read explanations and view larger @ Flickr

Nikon D100
Nikon Ai 32mm f/2 lens

A little of what I've been working on

Most of my photography work at the North Carolina Office of State Archaeology* Research Center (NC OSARC) is for the propose of accurately documenting artifacts. The images will hopefully be added to the Artifact Cataloging database (the ARTCAT) to be used state/nation wide allowing anyone (or at least those within the research or archaeological fields) to view artifacts and information on any/all of the NC/US national historical sites.

(as always, click any image to view MUCH larger @ Flickr)


wine glass fragment - JC Penny Site - ID: A-89015p98


wine glass fragment - JC Penny Site - ID: A-89015p98
lit to show iridescent interference**


6 of 12 small glass bottle fragments, pharmaceutical, basal- JC Penny Site - ID: A-89015p99


1 of 12 small glass bottle fragments, pharmaceutical, basal - JC Penny Site - ID: A-89015p99
lit to show iridescent interference**


1 of 12 small glass bottle fragments, pharmaceutical, basal - JC Penny Site - ID: A-89015p99
lit to show iridescent interference**


1 of 12 small glass bottle fragments, pharmaceutical, basal - JC Penny Site - ID: A-89015p99
lit to show iridescent interference**


1 of 12 small glass bottle fragments, pharmaceutical, basal - JC Penny Site - ID: A-89015p99
lit to show iridescent interference** (though this piece had little to none)


1 of 12 small glass bottle fragments, pharmaceutical, basal - JC Penny Site - ID: A-89015p99
lit to show iridescent interference**


small key - Fort Fisher Transfer Artifact - ID: 65.88.29


2 key fragments, iron - Fort Fisher Transfer Artifact - 65.88.30


Scabbard tip, before cleaning/restoration - Fort Fisher Historical site - ID: A-980900a306


Scabbard tip, before cleaning/restoration - Fort Fisher Historical site - ID: A-980900a306


Scabbard tip, after cleaning/restoration - Fort Fisher Historical site - ID: A-980900a306


Scabbard tip, after cleaning/restoration - Fort Fisher Historical site - ID: A-980900a306


scabbard hilt, CSA, before cleaning/restoration - Fort Fisher Historical site - ID: A-980900a597


scabbard hilt, CSA, before cleaning/restoration - Fort Fisher Historical site - ID: A-980900a597


scabbard hilt, CSA, before cleaning/restoration - Fort Fisher Historical site - ID: A-980900a597


earthenware/pearlware sherd, blue transfer print, beaded rim - JC Penny Site - ID: A-89015p39


3 dishware sherds, porcelain - JC Penny Site - ID: A-89015p39


3 dishware sherds, porcelain - JC Penny Site - ID: A-89015p39


dishware sherd, porcelain - JC Penny Site - ID: A-89015p11


dishware sherd, porcelain - JC Penny Site - ID: A-89015p11

Nikon D1x
Nikon AF Macro 60mm f/2.8-32 lens
Nikon Ai 32mm f/2 lens
Studio hot lights
DIY diffusers
DIY lightbox
light table

Set-up photos: In next post

* The NC OSARC still use the old spelling of archaeology, at some point the "a" was removed and it became "archeology", though the term "archaeological" still keeps the "a". Gotta, love the Engrlish language, right?

** Oxidation layers develop on antique glass over long periods of time resulting in thin film iridescence (a type of light interference). Similar to the brilliant colors seen in oil-slicks or soapy water. A more lengthy scientific explanation can be found here: http://www.physics.utoledo.edu/~lsa/_color/14_int.htm