Historic and Archival Documentation

This gallery features documentation of historic structures and places for the purpose of archival preservation of the design and character. Photographic methods include large format 4x5 black and white negative film and archival level silver halide prints on fiber paper, as well as digital image capture and storage on archival disc. Many of these projects are on the campus of UC Berkeley, and several are part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, such as Battery Slaughter and the Montgomery Street Barracks in the Presidio of San Francisco. In some cases where a historic structure is modified or demolished, mitigation for the loss is provided by documentation using HABS/HAER/HALS photography standards. (Historic American Building Survey/Historic American Engineering Record/ Historic American Landscape Survey) These standards were developed by the United States Department of the Interior and are designed to create an archival record with a viability of 200 years. Digital photography can be used for archival photography, but there is only a theoretical longevity of digital media, unlike film and traditional photographic methods. The hard drive of today could verrry easily become lke the 8 track tape or the 78rpm record: the data still exists, but the technology to access that data is virtually gone.

Noble Chapel, Cypress Lawn
Noble Chapel Renovation
Noble Chapel, Cypress Lawn
Noble Chapel Renovation
Noble Chapel, Cypress Lawn
Noble Chapel Renovation
Noble Chapel Crematorium Chapel
Noble Chapel Renovation

Battery Slaughter barracks room with fireplace
Unearthed after being buried since 1946-West Guard Rooms Interior, Battery Slaughter, Fort Winfield Scott, San Francisco, CA Digital image of view shot on black and white film in 4x5 format. HABS Archival Photography (Historic American Building Survey) Commissioned by the Presidio Parks Trust
Battery Slaughter Guard Rooms
Sealed and buried for 75 years- West Guard Rooms of Battery Slaughter, Fort Winfield Scott, San Francisco, California Digital image, HABS Archival Photography (Historic American Building Survey) Commissioned by the Presidio Parks Trust
Kohl Mausoleum, Cypress Lawn
Kohl Mausoleum with Tiffany Stained Glass
U.C. Print Shop before renovation, 4x5 contact print
U.C. Print Shop, Berkeley, CA prior to becoming BAMPFA- Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive HABS Archival Photography (Historic American Building Survey) Commissioned by the University of California, Berkeley

Main Stair, U.C. Print Shop, Berkeley, CA
Main Stair, U.C. Print Shop, Berkeley, CA prior to becoming BAMPFA- Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive HABS Archival Photography (Historic American Building Survey) Commissioned by the University of California, Berkeley
U.C. Print Shop before renovation, 4x5 contact print
U.C. Print Shop, Berkeley, CA prior to becoming BAMPFA- Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive HABS Archival Photography (Historic American Building Survey) Commissioned by the University of California, Berkeley
U.C. Print Shop before renovation, 4x5 Polaroid test film
Polaroid test print, U.C. Print Shop, Berkeley, CA prior to becoming BAMPFA- Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive HABS Archival Photography (Historic American Building Survey) Commissioned by the University of California, Berkeley
U.C. Print Shop before renovation, 4x5 contact print
Overhead view of U.C. Print Shop, Berkeley, CA prior to becoming BAMPFA- Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive HABS Archival Photography (Historic American Building Survey) Commissioned by the University of California, Berkeley
Durant Hall before renovation, 4x5 contact print
Durant Hall, UC Berkeley HABS Archival Photography (Historic American Building Survey) Commissioned by the University of California, Berkeley

Durant Hall before renovation, 4x5 contact print
Durant Hall, UC Berkeley HABS Archival Photography (Historic American Building Survey) Commissioned by the University of California, Berkeley
Durant Hall before renovation, 4x5 contact print
Durant Hall, UC Berkeley HABS Archival Photography (Historic American Building Survey) Commissioned by the University of California, Berkeley
California Memorial Stadium, seen from Sather Tower
Memorial Stadium, U.C. Berkeley prior to renovation HABS Archival Photography (Historic American Building Survey) Commissioned by the University of California, Berkeley
Durant Hall before renovation, 4x5 Polaroid test
Durant Hall, UC Berkeley HABS Archival Photography (Historic American Building Survey) Commissioned by the University of California, Berkeley
Montgomery Street Barracks, Presido of San Francisco
150 Montgomery St. Barracks, before renovtion Nov. 2015 Full view of building front elevation from Parade Ground parking lot, GG bridge on right

Montgomery Street Barracks, Presido of San Francisco
150 Montgomery St. Barracks, before renovtion Nov. 2015 Detail view of roof soffit, chimney and attic dormer showing chipped paint and decayed shingles
Montgomery Street Barracks, Presido of San Francisco
150 Montgomery St. Barracks, before renovtion Nov. 2015 Detail view of cracked paint on first floor window frame and sill
Attic of Montgomery Street Barracks, Presido of San Francisco
150 Montgomery St. Barracks, December 2015 (before renovation) Detail of brick wall in attic area
Bunk room, Montgomery Street Barracks, Presido of San Francisco
150 Montgomery St. Barracks, December 2015 (before renovation)

MICHAEL O'CALLAHAN

Architectural and Portrait Photographer

Historic and Archival Documentation