Useful tips for photographing artwork

04 March, 2013

The work of art, like paintings or drawings, requires photography for visual records and communication which can be done with a basic camera. By following some tips, one can take reasonably good pictures of artwork.

In photographing artwork it is how you compose your shot that matters. First, get your camera at a right angle to the piece of art being photographed. If it is displayed on the wall, point the lens squarely and parallel to the plane of the painting.

Try to fill the frame with art piece alone. Move towards or away from the artwork to do so. Also,move the lens up, down or sideways to centralize the image. If the artwork is big, lay it flat on the floor and shoot from above looking down using a chair, table or ladder.

Never use a flash for such photography. The natural indirect lighting is always good and an overcast day is the best for photographing a painting. But, avoid sunlight striking your object directly to minimize glare. Or else, use two or more similar light sources set at about 45º angles to the painting. A shallow field of depth with a sharp focus can capture detailed textures or give more of a sense of the quality of the artwork.

Use both hands to hold the camera and draw both elbows in to your midpoint to touch one another and forearms closest to your chest. Hold your breath just before and while releasing the shutter to minimize the camera shake or use the timer for it.