Paradigm Lost - Making of

During a commission from University of Minho (Portugal) in 2009 I developed a special technique specific to record rock-art engravings, paintings and other artifacts. The simplicity and precision of the process allowed comprehensive and detailed recording of large archaeological areas in record timing, using minimal resources. Using a very precise lightning technique, I've been able to clearly render extremely eroded engravings and paintings that, otherwise, would appear virtually indistinguishable from the rock surface to the naked eye. With a few adaptations, this technique can also be used in many kinds of close range image measurements: spectral analysis, 3d modeling, etc.

You can scroll right to view some samples and, if you like, you can view an extended portfolio here.

The great advantage of this technique is that it doesn't require electrical generators or any kind of bulky equipment. It can usually be executed during day light, which can drastically reduce operative risks.

If you are a researcher and need my services, please feel free to contact me.

Many of those photographs have been used in the book "Paradigm Lost: The Coa Valley and the open-air Paleolithic Art in Northern Portugal (A.M.Baptista, ed. Afrontamento 2009. ISBN 978-972-36-0997-4).

Here's what the prehistoric art specialist Dr. Paul Bahn has to say about the book:

"Produced to mark the 10th anniversary of the open-air Paleolithic art of Portugal's Coa Valley becoming a World Heritage site, this book comprises numerous fantastic colour photos and equally remarkable colour tracings of hundreds of figures" ... "Both text and illustrations make this an authoritative and indispensable account, since Baptista has been in charge of documenting this art from the beginning. He and his team are among the finest recorders of rock art in the world, as this book demonstrates admirabily." ('World Archaeology' magazine)