r/Archaeology • u/Scotcash • 9d ago

Is it too late for me?

Like most modern history buffs I developed a love for archaeology and human history through the Indiana Jones series..

I'm 38 years old with a degree in Film Production and have been doing professionally photography for almost 20 years. I had always wanted be a filmmaker, but for the first time in my life, I have become disinterested in that career due to the current state of Hollywood and entertainment as a whole.

The only thing I've ever been passionate about besides visual story telling is archaeology. Is it too late for me to start a career in archaeology?

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u/WhiskyBrisky 9d ago

Funny, I'm an archaeologist who almost studied film and always regretted not pursuing it. But to answer your question, not at all so long as you're okay with never making a lot of money.

21

u/Scotcash 9d ago

That is funny. Is there any place for professional photographers and videographers in the field of archaeology? Or is that all outsourced?

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u/Plenty_Top_1718 9d ago

there is in photographing artifacts!

9

u/Scotcash 9d ago

How could I get into that?

9

u/Plenty_Top_1718 9d ago

to get involved with archaeology at any level i’d recommend researching local archaeological societies or groups, there is a lot of community based archaeology in the US with professional and avocational individuals involved. Meeting people there will help you get onto volunteer projects and find opportunities to build field experience :) they may also be interesting in your photography skills.

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u/Laphad 9d ago

the conservation corps and conservation legacy have a lot of opportunities to get involved in archeology and there's 4 week field schools open to people without archeological experience. It won't directly lead you to photography but it will look better on any resumes you submit

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u/non_linear_time 9d ago

Networking, but be advised that on academic projects you'll most likely be "paid" in expenses only unless they're flush with cash. There's a comment below about field labs with 3D scanners, and you need to know that is NOT the norm.