Sketching and photography

To aid the introduction of features of a study site or sites and the locations of transects or cross sections for example
To examine the human and physical features of a landscape and how these are interrelated
To use of secondary photographic data to compare modern-day sketches or photographs of the same area, and examine changes over time. Also to consider the causes and consequences of changes
To look closely at a landscape and assess it in terms of what processes are taking place or issues acting within it
To make qualitative judgements about a place

Equipment

Pencil (soft)
Rubber
Plain paper - large enough to be able to include the required amount of drawn and written detail
Clipboard/something to rest on
Frame (optional)
Compass

It is important to decide beforehand the purpose of the field sketch or photograph. Consider what you are aiming to show with the photograph, decide on what is important to include and make prominent in your sketch
If you are going to be comparing it to secondary evidence, for example an old photograph, it is important to get the framing right, so that direct comparisons can be made
A comfortable sheltered position should be identified to work from. Also one which is safe and easily accessible, and which gives the same perspective as the secondary data, and which is free from obstruction
Identify a frame for the sketch, holding up a cardboard frame may help to do this
Draw a frame onto the paper. Label the direction, bearing, grid reference and a short written description of the ‘view'
If sketching a large landscape, it may help to divide the paper roughly into thirds. The upper (sky and horizon), the middle ground, and the fore ground
Start by sketching the outlines of the things furthest away, and work towards the fore ground, adding detail as you go

Scale - This can be tricky, especially when sketching a large landscape area. Starting the sketch with the things furthest away and working towards you will help. Also, add labels to show things of known height (refer to map of the area to find this)
Slopes - Drawing the correct angle of a slope can be tricky. Try holding a pencil away from you, towards the slope and then transfer it to the paper
Weather - Adverse conditions will have an immediate, preventative effect on your ability to carry out a field sketch
Use photography to compliment your field sketch. Photos can be used to add detail to your sketch later, which you may not have had the time to include or suitable conditions to achieve in the field
The field sketch needs to be ‘fit for purpose' to add value to your investigation, this takes some thought and consideration. It's very easy to just ‘knock out' the odd quick sketch. Spend time considering the worth of why you are representing the field by sketch or photo, is it an aide de memoir or to enhance your understanding

Equipment

Methodology

Decide before-hand the purpose of the photograph, what you want it to show and how it will be used within the investigation
If you are going to be comparing it to secondary evidence, for example an old photograph, it is important to make sure that you take a photograph as similar in viewpoint and perspective as the one you'll be comparing it to
A comfortable, sheltered position should be identified. Also one which is safely and easily accessible and which gives a clear, unobstructed view which includes everything you want to get in
Consider the composition of the shot, what is it that you want to emphasise in the photograph
Ensure that you know how to get the best performance from the camera you are using
Make notes in a log book or field diary: this should include the time, date, location, direction of view and weather conditions for example

Considerations

Poor weather conditions can make it difficult to get decent shots
There may be some difficulties in accessing suitable, safe sites from which to get the desired pictures
The purpose of the photograph should be clear and linked to the aims and write-up of the study, poorly linked or explained photographs can actually devalue a study
Consider the time element of developing or manipulating a photograph

Using field sketches and photographs within an investigation

Photo editing software can be used to enhance, crop, label and annotate digital shots. Prints can be scanned in and manipulated in much the same way
Labels should be used to pick out the main features, and annotations to comment on certain aspects in order to bring out the main ‘message' you are trying to convey
Photographs can be arranged around a map extract, field sketch or diagram as a visual presentation of certain features, areas or processes
Sketches and photographs can be used to examine changes over time by comparing them to secondary sources of data, for example an old photograph
Before and after shots could be taken to show differences before and after an event, for example a rain storm
Taking photographs of the same place at different times of the day can show diurnal changes, for example the change in traffic flow at a particular junction, the pedestrian flow in the high street. It can also show more long term seasonal changes, for example in the composition of beach material
Care should be taken to ensure that the field sketches and photographs are clearly incorporated into the investigation and that their purpose is explicit; otherwise their worth is questionable and may even devalue the report
Figure one: Differentiating between labelling and annotation of photographs