Photography and photogrammetry have recently become among the most widespread and preferred visualisation methods for the representation of small objects and artefacts. People want to see the past, not only know about it; and the ability to visualise objects into virtually realistic representations is fundamental for researchers, students and educators. Here, we present two new methods, the ‘Small Object and Artefact Photography’ (‘SOAP’) and the ‘High Resolution “DIY” Photogrammetry’ (‘HRP’) protocols. The ‘SOAP’ protocol involves the photographic application of modern digital techniques for the representation of any small object. The ‘HRP’ protocol involves the photographic capturing, digital reconstruction and three-dimensional representation of small objects. These protocols follow optimised step-by-step explanations for the production of high-resolution two- and three-dimensional object imaging, achievable with minimal practice and access to basic equipment and softwares. These methods were developed to allow anyone to easily and inexpensively produce high-quality images and models for any use, from simple graphic visualisations to complex analytical, statistical and spatial analyses.

Photography is among one of the most widely used methods in scientific publications to efficiently and objectively communicate morphological, technological and aesthetic characteristics of any object. Particularly, in the fields of archaeology and anthropology, the study of small objects and artefacts is fundamental for the better understanding of past and present human activities. For these purposes, photography offers a method for researchers and alike to use photographs as objective evidence for their findings, results and interpretations. Here, the Small Object and Artefact Photography (SOAP) protocol is presented. This protocol aims to offer a standardised and full-encompassing method for the most objective and scientifically reproducible application of photography for academic purposes. The protocol follows an optimised step-by-step method, presenting the practice of small object and artefact photography from the initial set up of the equipment, the best methods for camera handling and functionality use, to the application of post-processing softwares. This method has been developed for anyone interested in producing clear and high quality photographs for a multitude of applications, from academic and scientific publications to public outreach.

Photography is among one of the most widely used methods in scientific publications to efficiently and objectively communicate morphological, technological and aesthetic characteristics of any object. Particularly, in the fields of archaeology and anthropology, the study of small objects and artefacts is fundamental for the better understanding of past and present human activities. For these purposes, photography offers a method for researchers and alike to use photographs as objective evidence for their findings, results and interpretations. Here, the Small Object and Artefact Photography (SOAP) protocol is presented. This protocol aims to offer a standardised and full-encompassing method for the most objective and scientifically reproducible application of photography for academic purposes. The protocol follows an optimised step-by-step method, presenting the practice of small object and artefact photography from the initial set up of the equipment, the best methods for camera handling and functionality use, to the application of post-processing softwares. This method has been developed for anyone interested in producing clear and high quality photographs for a multitude of applications, from academic and scientific publications to public outreach.

Photography is among one of the most widely used methods in scientific publications to efficiently and objectively communicate morphological, technological and aesthetic characteristics of any object. Particularly, in the fields of archaeology and anthropology, the study of small objects and artefacts is fundamental for the better understanding of past and present human activities. For these purposes, photography offers a method for researchers and alike to use photographs as objective evidence for their findings, results and interpretations. Here, the Small Object and Artefact Photography (SOAP) protocol is presented. This protocol aims to offer a standardised and full-encompassing method for the most objective and scientifically reproducible application of photography for academic purposes. The protocol follows an optimised step-by-step method, presenting the practice of small object and artefact photography from the initial set up of the equipment, the best methods for camera handling and functionality use, to the application of post-processing softwares. This method has been developed for anyone interested in producing clear and high quality photographs for a multitude of applications, from academic and scientific publications to public outreach.

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