Progressive Photonics. Hidden in the Light Workshop/Demonstration

The purpose of this workshop/demonstration is to introduce the basic concepts and skills in using these special lighting techniques to safely and efficiently document previously unseen but critical information on paleontological specimens. Fluorescence photography (including UV) and other simple lighting techniques are very powerful forensic tools to aid in specimen diagnosis and documentation. Ultraviolet lighting can reveal extraordinary new information in specimens like soft tissue, associated biologic data, repairs and cosmetic enhancements all of which are critical to specimen understanding and interpretation. The opening discussion segment will address safety, basic lighting concepts, manmade versus natural artifacts including biologic soft tissue. A variety of large and small specimens will be used to demonstrate the concepts. The final discussion portion will be on interpreting images, artifact diagnosis and implementation of learned concepts.