Juxtaposition

Juxtaposition is a common technique used in photography. It involves capturing contrasting elements to capture the viewer's attention and conjure some kind of emotion from the comparison. This can be done using colors, textures, mood or perspective. In archeology, this concept can be implemented to engage viewers and to capitalize on the differences or similarities of past and present people, cultures and locations.

One popular example of juxtaposition is the use of children's toys in ruins.
This image conjures many thoughts and emotions in a viewer. It makes you think about the child who lost their Minnie Mouse toy. It makes you think about the family that lost their home in the destruction. It makes you feel sorrow and fear and want to help. The low camera angles also give the viewer the perspective of a child to further create emotions and a connection to the place being captured.

Here is another example of a stark comparison. This juxtaposition forces the viewer to be aware of the differences between a ritualized past and a industrialized present. Furthermore, it makes the viewer contemplate what exactly is in store for the future.

This shows children in Lebanon playing on a cannon surrounded by ruins. The contrast between the cannon as both a toy and a weapon, as well as the innocence of youth and the terror of war, is striking.







Juxtaposition is an effective technique to force the viewer to be aware of comparisons in photography. It has been asserted that the public is much more apt to look at photos than to read text. In archaeological photography, the value of the implications that are asserted through a photograph using juxtaposition should be employed more frequently.