How to Photograph Art

by Owen Garratt | Selling Art Online

One of the more popular lines of questioning we get around here is regarding how to photograph art.

 

HOW-TO-PHOTOGRAPH-YOUR-ART

 

“I dunno Owen, why do I need to know how to photograph my art?”

Maybe you don’t need to know how to photograph art specifically, but you DO NEED photos of your art!

 

Artists need photographs of their art for several reasons:

  • to publish their work on various media from Ltd Edition prints, to canvas transfers, to gift cards, etc.
  • to have compelling images for their websites
  • for entries in juried shows
  • for use in printed marketing materials such as brochures, flyers, catalogs, invitations, business cards, and so on.

It’s folly to try and use substandard photographs “just to give an idea of the work”…the idea will inevitably be “this art isn’t very good” and/or “this artist is hardly a professional!”

Neither of those is the response we’re after.

High quality and accurate photos are a MUST!

But if you’ve ever tried to take your own photographs, you also know that there’s an awful lot of technical stuff that goes into taking a proper photo…

 

In this video I interview Andy Derrick, who is the Head of Artist Community at ArtSquare.

We talk about:

  • how to set things up
  • the gear needed
  • how to set up your space
  • managing your lighting needs
  • the pitfalls of taking digital photographs of your art
  • finding professional help

 

NOTE: Artsquare no longer connects photographers and artists – but the interview has been helpful to so many artists that we decided to keep it available.

 

The Camera/Video Gear

This is what I use to take the photos of my art, and for the video I shoot..

Cell Phone Tripod Adapter and Bluetooth Remote!

This Jim-dandy gizmo attaches your phone to a tripod, and comes with a remote Bluetooth clicker, so you can take pics of yourself or without joggling the camera or casting a shadow with your hand as you reach in!  And cheap too!!

Cell Phone Tripod Adapter – Bluetooth Remote Control – Travel Bag – iPhone Tripod Mount SE 6S 6 Plus 5S 5C 5 4s 4, Galaxy S7 S6 S5 S4 S3 S2 more Cell Phone Tripod Mount Clip Holder – DaVoice (Black)

 

Camera/Mic Stand Adapter

Mic stands are FAR more adaptable than are traditional tripods.  I wouldn’t mount a heavy camera on them, but an iPhone is perfect! To use with a phone, you need the above attachment!

*NOTE – this is a slightly different design than the one I got, but it’s also half the price! @%$#@*&!

On Stage CM01 Video Camera/Digital Recorder Adapter

 

Video lights

I use these everywhere: taking pics of products, filming the FOTW content, and even to light my paper as I draw!

StudioPRO 2000W Double 5 Socket Softbox Kit

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What's the Number One Most Important Thing about Selling Art and Being an Artist?! 
(without having to be dead!)

What's the Number One Most Important Thing about Selling Art and Being an Artist?!

(without having to be dead!)

Enter your name and email below to see the controversial video!

“Why Do You Need This?!” A sign of the times, but we need to make sure you’re a real person and not some sort of spambot.

Enjoy!

What's the Number One Most Important Thing about Selling Art and Being an Artist?! 
(without having to be dead!)

What's the Number One Most Important Thing about Selling Art and Being an Artist?!

(without having to be dead!)

Enter your name and email below to see the controversial video!

“Why Do You Need This?!” A sign of the times, but we need to make sure you’re a real person and not some sort of spambot.

Enjoy!

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