Steps to Photographing Your Art Like a Professional

An artist devotes a significant amount of effort to honing their trade. Then, fatigued from working on a painting for hours on end, they sometimes overlook the most critical step of the process: documenting the work. Too many of them are clueless about the details and settle for a few lousy photos before mailing the artwork out. Because artists must submit work digitally for exhibits, grants, presentations, and their public profile page, superb photography provides the initial impression of their art and expertise.

- SANCHIT MISHRA

They commonly encounter artists that have excellent artwork but have photographs that were filmed in dimly lit, messy locations, distorting the original artwork. Knowing how to shoot your art correctly might be the difference between being invited to a show or gaining the favour of a key customer or gallery director.

We’ve put up a few tips for shooting your artwork so you can start photographing it like a pro.

1. Hang you art work on wall

We frequently see photographs of artwork leaning up against a wall and taken from a lower perspective. Find a neutral-coloured wall (white, black, grey) and hang your work at a height where the centre of your piece will be parallel to where your camera will be either on a tripod or securely lying on a table or other surface.

2. Light your work properly

If you’re going to film your work indoors, make sure it’s in a space with lots of windows and natural light. Some artists also like to shoot their work outside when it’s gloomy or overcast, because indirect sunlight gives the greatest lighting. As long as the light is indirect, natural light may be a lovely approach to shoot your work.

If the weather isn’t cooperating, or if you have a late-night deadline, you’ll need to put together a lighting kit. The good news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune on a professional setup if you’re not ready to make the investment.

For 2-dimensional work, you’ll just need two lights at most. We utilised lighting stands (the kind with three adjustable bulbs that you find in dorm rooms) or clamp lights. Place the lights at a 45-degree angle pointing toward the wall midway between the camera and the canvas (this will help remove shadows and “hot spots” on the painting). Attach your light umbrellas now if you have them.