7. Field sketch & Photograph

Photographs

• • Quick way to capture information about a landscape or feature

  • Useful for:

    • Describing the natural and/or human environment without being at the field site

    • Comparing different places easily

    • Showing how places change over time

    • Capturing actions or activities which are short-lived .e.g. people movement, traffic flow

Taking photographs

• Focus on subject by holding camera such that the subject fills the frame

• Indicate the size of the feature(s) in photograph

  • For larger features, take the photograph with people inside

  • For smaller features, place a pen or coin against the feature

  • Gives an element of scale in the photograph

• Write notes for each photograph (e.g. time, place and description) for future reference

Advantages

• • Multiple photographs can be taken to capture a feature at different angles or to allow selection of the most suitable photograph

  • Wide-angle view can be captured by taking a few photographs and using an image editing software to join the photographs together

Disadvantages

• • Capture everything and may include details that are not needed

  • One photograph cannot show motion and changes over time

Field sketching

• • Decide on the purpose of your field sketch and note down the important details to look out for

  • Divide an A4-sized paper into nine sections and place the paper onto a clipboard as a support when you are sketching

  • Look through the sketching frame to view the area that you wish to sketch

    • Sketch the things furthest away (background) first and work towards the foreground

    • Draw the features or objects as they are seen in each section - Include only what is necessary based on the purpose of your sketch!

  • Label the features in your sketch and add notes to explain the features that you want to highlight

  • Include a title and information such as the date, time and place for future reference

  • Photographs can be taken to support your sketch and give you a reference point in the future

Advantages

• • Develops ability to observe and record important information by taking time to view and understand the landscape that is being sketched

  • Allow to add notes directly onto the sketch

Disadvantages

• • Requires more time than taking photographs

  • One field sketch cannot show changes over time

Labels versus annotations

A label comprises one or two words that help to identify something in photographs, diagrams or maps. On the other hand, an annotation is a fairly detailed explanation or comment added to photographs, diagrams or maps to explain, elaborate or emphasize particular features. You can learn more about labels and annotations below.