6 Tips for Photographing Your Artwork
Photographing your artwork is one of the most important steps in preserving, marketing, and selling your work. Even (especially) if you are just starting out, you want to present your work in a professional manner.
As a former curator, I saw a lot of artwork come across my desk. Bad photographs are the quickest way to lose interest. The goal of presenting your photographs is to make it easy – don’t make someone have to work hard to understand what is being photographed.
To do that, follow these 6 steps.
If you have any questions or need suggestions, feel free to ask. If you don’t feel comfortable photographing your own work, seek out someone in your area who has experience with artwork photography. Good photos can make or break you. Don’t skimp on this step!
As a former curator, I saw a lot of artwork come across my desk. Bad photographs are the quickest way to lose interest. The goal of presenting your photographs is to make it easy – don’t make someone have to work hard to understand what is being photographed.
To do that, follow these 6 steps.
- Always photograph your 2D work before glazing and framing. It is much harder for you to get an image free of light reflections when it is under glass or has a glossy surface
- Hang your unframed piece on a wall near a natural light source like a large window. Light is the KEY to getting a detailed and in focus image. In low light conditions cameras will not be able to get the level of detail needed for a professional image of your work.
- Use a tripod. If you don’t have a tripod, try creating a surface for your camera to rest. Tripods are a really important tool for making sure that your image is in focus and that the edges are not skewed.
- Position your lens directly vertically and horizontally centered on the work you are photographing. This minimizes the skewing that happens when your camera is too high, too low or off to one side.
- When photographing 3D works use a plain background. This can be as simple as using a bedsheet; white or black work the best. This needs to be set up near a natural light source.
- Use the zoom function on your camera liberally. After you take a photo, don’t be afraid to really get in there with the zoom and look at each area of your image to make sure that all areas are in focus.
- Do not use auto focus. Switch your camera over to manual so that you are entirely in control. Auto focus tends to shift with any small adjustment or change in light. In order to maximize control over your image, always shoot in manual.
If you have any questions or need suggestions, feel free to ask. If you don’t feel comfortable photographing your own work, seek out someone in your area who has experience with artwork photography. Good photos can make or break you. Don’t skimp on this step!
