PHOTOGRAPHING YOUR ART

Tips and Tricks for How to Take Better Images

In the digital age, the ability to capture high-quality images of your art is more crucial than ever. Whether for your portfolio, online gallery, or social media, the right photo can significantly impact how your work is perceived and engaged with by audiences. Here are essential tips to elevate your art photography skills:

Natural Light is Your Best Friend:

Opt for natural, indirect light to illuminate your art. Direct sunlight can cause glare or uneven lighting. Try photographing your work during the golden hour for soft, diffused light that enhances colors and details.

Steady Does It

Use a tripod to avoid any blurriness caused by hand movement. A tripod ensures that your camera is perfectly still during the shot, resulting in sharper images. If you don't have a tripod, improvise with a stable surface to rest your camera on.

Keep It Straight

Ensure your artwork is perfectly aligned with your camera's lens. The camera should be centered and parallel to your art to prevent any distortion. If your piece is hung on a wall, the camera should be at eye level with the center of the work.

Mind the Background

A neutral background, such as a plain white wall or a piece of seamless paper, ensures that nothing distracts from your art. If photographing three-dimensional works, consider the surface it rests on as well (like a white shelf or pedestal).

High Resolution Matters

Set your camera to the highest resolution possible. This captures the maximum amount of detail, allowing viewers to appreciate the textures and nuances of your work. High-resolution images, 300dpi standard, are also essential for prints or publications.

SAVING IMAGES

When saving images, use the following format and save two copies, one that is 72dpi (for internet and emailing) and one that is 300dpi for print and press.

SAMPLE NAME: ArtworkName-Size-Medium-Year-Dpi
EG: EverlastingBeauty_12inchesx32inches-AcrylicOnCanvas-2024-72dpi.jpg

Post-Processing Polish

Even with careful setup, your photos might need some adjustments. Use photo editing software to crop, straighten, and adjust the exposure or color balance. Aim to keep the image as true to the original artwork as possible. We will cover this more in a later article.

Experiment and Learn

Photography is an art in itself. Don't be afraid to experiment with different angles, compositions, and settings. Over time, you'll discover what works best for the type of art you create.

Hire A Professional

If all else fails, hire a professional photographer. Collect all the work you want photographed and bundle them up into one session. A professional might cost, but it will also save you time and make sure you have the best quality images to show your audiences.

By following these tips, you can significantly improve the quality of the images showcasing your art. Remember, the goal is to create a visual representation that does justice to your work and captures the attention of your audience, no matter where they are in the world.