PHOTARCH was awarded the Fujifilm Challenge Grant in 2022 to advance the method and test its scalability across multiple institutions.
Objectives
- To test the applicability of the PHOTARCH method across different institutional settings
- To develop a scalable workflow for heritage photography with minimal equipment
- To assess the visual consistency and cross-site comparability of resulting images
- To explore the potential for AI-driven classification based on standardised imagery
Methodology
- One primary light at a fixed 45° angle
- Fill reflectors to preserve form and shadow
- White background for consistency and clipping control
- Use of scale and colour targets within frame
- Custom ICC profiles created using the X-Rite Color Checker target
By repeating this setup in three locations, one could evaluate how well the method held up in real-world institutional environments. The results showed strong consistency in exposure, colour, and contrast across locations.
Results
- Fujifilm Gallery in Tokyo
- 2and3D Photography Conference at the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam (2024)
- European Association of Archaeologists (EAA) conference in Belfast (2023)
- PHOTARCH presentation at EAA in Rome (2024)
Feedback from researchers, photographers and curators confirmed that the method improved object legibility, colour integrity and cross-institutional comparability.
Impact and Legacy
References
- Fujifilm (2022). Fujifilm Challenge Grant Overview. Tokyo: Fujifilm Global.
- Rijksmuseum (2024). 2and3D Photography Conference Programme Book.
- EAA (2023, 2024). Conference proceedings.
Updates on PHOTARCH