History of the Photography Department

For over a century, the Photography Department performed an important function in supporting The Field Museum’s exhibitions, analysis, and documentation efforts. By capturing high-quality photos of artifacts, specimens, and occasions, the division vastly enhanced the accessibility of the Museum’s collections to researchers, historians, publishers, and group scientists worldwide.
The division supplied a variety of photographic providers to Museum employees, and all photos produced by Field Museum photographers had been deposited and cataloged within the Photo Archives, guaranteeing their everlasting preservation and accessibility. From early glass plate negatives to fashionable digital information, pictures has been an important a part of The Field Museum’s mission for greater than 100 years.
Since the Museum’s founding in 1894, roughly 20 photographers have served on employees, with solely 4 people holding the title of Head Photographer. The division was formally disbanded in 2020.

Head Photographers Through the Years

Charles Carpenter (1899–1947)
The Museum’s first official Head Photographer, Carpenter started his tenure in 1899 and retired in 1947. He participated in two main expeditions: one to Arizona to {photograph} Hopi objects, and one other to St. Louis to doc the Louisiana Purchase Exposition (World’s Fair) of 1904. Carpenter additionally photographed the Museum’s 1921 transfer from its unique Jackson Park location—constructed for the World’s Columbian Exposition—to its present constructing.

John Bayalis (1949–1975)
Carpenter’s longtime assistant, Bayalis turned Head Photographer in 1949. During his tenure, he continued the division’s work in documenting the Museum’s rising collections till his retirement in 1975.

Ron Testa (1975–1989)
Appointed Head Photographer in 1975, Testa photographed numerous objects and occasions, and in addition traveled on assignments to Egypt and Bolivia. He retired in 1989.

John Weinstein (1989–2020)
Serving as the ultimate Head Photographer, Weinstein led the division into the digital age. His work included expeditions to Kenya and Wyoming.