Tombstone photography

Tombstone Photography

Dick Eastman29 September 2012

Today’s Presentation is Available Online at:

http://www.eogn.com/handouts/tombstone

Tombstone Photography

• I have an unusual hobby:

– I collect tombstones

Tombstone Photography

Tombstone Photography

• Today’s objectives:

– To show you some of my collection

– To show you how I collected these images

What is the appropriate camera?

• Lots of pixels (6 megapixels or more)

• A good lens

What is the appropriate camera?

Pocket Camera? Or an SLR?

What is the appropriate camera?

Use a Tripod!

• The secret for razor-sharp pictures is a steady platform

– Don’t move!

Use a Tripod!

Or a Monopod

How to Make the Letters Readable?

How to Make the Letters Readable?

How to Make the Letters Readable?

• There are two classic recommendations but both are controversial!

– Chalk

– Shaving cream

• Many genealogists believe that both will damage a tombstone but some scientists disagree.

• “One bird feasting on mulberries will leave more acids on a tombstone than a case of shaving cream!”

How to Make the Letters Readable?

• Spray some water on the tombstone!

How to Make the Letters Readable?

Sometimes You Get Lucky

Sometime You Get Lucky

How NOT to Make the Letters Readable

Tombstone Photography

Recommendation:

• Use a slow shutter speed

• And use lots of light!

If the area is shady, bounce some light!

If the area is shady, bounce some light!

If the area is shady, bounce some light!

If the area is shady, bounce some light!

If the area is shady, bounce some light!

Add Depth of Field! How Big is That Tombstone?

Add Depth of Field! How Big is That Tombstone?

Tombstone?

Some Example Photographs

Tombstones Often Provide Clues About the Deceased or the Family

Some Example Photographs

Some Example Photographs

Tombstones Often Provide Clues About the Deceased or the Family

Tombstones Often Provide Clues About the Deceased or the Family

Tombstones Often Provide Clues About the Deceased or the Family

Tombstones Often Provide Clues About the Deceased or the Family

Tombstones Often Provide Clues About the Deceased or the Family

You Might Find a Family Tree on a Tombstone

You Might Find a Family Tree on a Tombstone

Tombstones Often Provide Clues About the Deceased or the Family

Tombstones Often Provide Clues About the Deceased or the Family

Tombstones Often Provide Clues About the Deceased or the Family

Tombstones Often Provide Clues About the Deceased or the Family

Tombstones Often Provide Clues About the Deceased or the Family

Tombstones Sometimes Provide Puzzles!

Tombstones Sometimes Provide Puzzles!

Tombstones Sometimes Provide Puzzles!

Some Unusual Tombstones

Some Unusual Tombstones

Some Unusual Tombstones

Some Unusual Tombstones

Some Unusual Tombstones

Tombstone Photography

Some Unusual Tombstones

Some Unusual Tombstones

Some Unusual Tombstones

Tombstone Photography

Tombstone Photography

Today’s Presentation is Available Online at:

http://www.eogn.com/handouts/tombstone