Technical Photography, while essential for art examination, extends its utility to various other fields. The applications Beyond Art Examination are numerous. In forensic science, it aids in uncovering hidden evidence, revealing details not visible to the naked eye, such as blood stains, fingerprints, and altered documents. In the medical field, it assists in diagnosing skin conditions and visualizing underlying tissue structures. Additionally, it plays a significant role in conservation science, helping to monitor and document the condition of historical artifacts and natural history specimens. Environmental studies also benefit from Technical Photography by enabling the analysis of plant health and the detection of pollution. This versatile tool thus proves invaluable across diverse disciplines.
Heat – volcanic eruptions
One application of infrared photography beyond art examination is the detection of magma behind volcanic smoke during eruptions, enabling safer monitoring, improved thermal mapping, and better understanding of eruptive dynamics.
Learn Technical Photography for Art Examination
Technical Photography is one of the most powerful—and often overlooked—tools for the scientific examination of art and archaeology. If you are a conservator, scientist, or art collector and you are not yet familiar with this method, it is truly a missed opportunity. Using simple, affordable equipment and a clear methodology, Technical Photography allows you to reveal underdrawings, retouchings, material differences, and conservation issues in a completely non-invasive way. Far from being complex or inaccessible, it is an easy entry point into scientific analysis. In many cases, Technical Photography represents the first essential step toward a deeper understanding of artworks and archaeological objects.
Scientific Art Examination – Resources:
Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) – USA
The British Museum – Scientific Research Department – UK
Scientific Research Department – The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA
C2RMF (Centre de Recherche et de Restauration des Musées de France) – France
Rijksmuseum – Science Department – Netherlands
