Introduction Course Photography for Archaeologists

Date: 26 & 27 February 2026

Location: University of Amsterdam, room BG1 3.09, Turfdraagsterpad 9, 1012 XT Amsterdam

Credits: 1 ECT

Teacher: Anneke Dekker,  photographer and filmmaker. Graduated in archaeology in 1986 and worked as a professional photographer at the Allard Pierson Museum and the Archaeological Institute of the University of Amsterdam from 2000-2023.

 

Objective of the course

In this introductory course, you will familiarize yourself with the basic principles of photography and explore the possibilities of your camera. You will learn to take good photographs of archaeological objects using both simple setups and with studio lamps. The course consists of two half-day sessions.

Session 1 (all participants): Basic principles of Photography

We will discuss the basic principles of photography and lighting, supported by practical questions based on the digital reader, which will be sent to participants well before the course begins. Using your own camera—or a borrowed one—you will learn how to work with your camera’s manual settings. We will cover shutter speed, aperture, ISO sensitivity, depth of field, and the use of different types of lenses, such as wide-angle and telephoto lenses, along with their specific characteristics.

Session 2 (in small groups): Workshop Photographing Archaeological Objects

Session 2 is the practical part of the course, where you will apply the knowledge acquired in Session 1 to photograph a range of archaeological objects while completing several assignments. You will use your own camera (or a professional camera if you don’t have one) and practice working with both natural light and studio lighting.

 

Programme

Day 1: Thursday 26 February

10.00-13.00 Group 1 & 2 (12 participants)         Basic principles of photography

14.00-16.00 Group 1 (6 participants)                  Workshop photographing archaeological objects

Day 2: Friday 27 February

11.00-13.00 Group 2 (6 participants)                  Workshop photographing archaeological objects

 

Practical information

Max. number of participants: 12 (2 groups of 6 for the practical sessions)

The course is divided into two parts, a theoretical and a practical part. Not everyone can attend the practical on the same day. Students from the RUG get priority to attend the practical on the same day as the theoretical part.

Before the start of the course, you will receive a digital reader. It is important that you read it in advance, as the course builds on this material.

• To bring: your own camera (with full batteries, charger, and memory card). If you don’t own a camera, please borrow one or contact Anneke Dekker. You are welcome to bring archaeological objects of your own if you would like to practice photographing them.

For questions regarding the content of this course, please contact aem.dekker@kpnmail.nl

For any other questions, please contact secretary@archonline.nl

ECTS: ARCHON members get 1 EC for participation; reading the binder before the workshop is mandatory. Participants will receive the binder in due time.