hints and tips for photographing your paintings...

[hunterpaul]

Hi guys... I always seem to have problems photographing my paintings, I suffer from glare mainly. I have a tripod and a decent digi slr....
I have one of those things you put in the camera to take the pic so there is minimal movement... any hints and tips on lighting, etc would be fantastic. Im sure all info would be welcome. And would help more than just moi... cheers Paul

[03ahmed]

My tip is to photograph outside in the shade. Since I do scratchboard and it is black, other than scanning this is the best way for me to minimise glare. I also shoot at with the exposure just below 0.

Hope this helps.

[Frank van Boxtel]

I take mine outside in the shade too. If they are small enough I lay them down and stand over them with a foot on either side. I have a deck so I use the bords to line everything up. Usually they end up pretty straight. I then tweak everything on the computer.

[PatrickHedges]

I use a tripod and the timer so no shake and also stand back and zoom in slightly so there is no wide-angled distortion. My studio has large windows at each end so I can stay inside.

[stirling]

Should be a interesting thread Paul,although i don't have a problem with watercolours,you should try them!

Best from mike.

[lisapencil]

Hi Paul, I have recently started taking my photos outside in the shade. We have a small backyard that receives little sunshine so glare is never a problem. If I am photographing inside, as it frequently rains here in Yorkshire I turn the flash off and move my painting around the house until I find the best light.

[midcoast]

Do you have a polarizing filter for your digi SLR? I finally got one and it makes all the difference in the world on certain paintings. You will have to learn how to use it as they filters are typically directional - you can orient your polarizing filter differently on your lens to get different results depending on where your light source is. Used correctly, a polarizing filter works wonders when you photograph your artwork. They also work indoors or out.

I finally started using one when I realized that even photographing outside in the shade wasn't helping with glare. The polarizing filter did the trick for me!

Here's more info:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polarizing_filter_%28Photography%29

Hope that helps!

Nancy

[DaleH]

Soft light also helps. The more you distort it the better it is (and the more light you need!).

[LEIGH RUST]

I use tripod and timer shooting in the studio. When I'm working in oils I use backlighting, positioning the easel just in front of my studio globe. That way the camera reads enough light without getting glare on the paint. The side of the studio I'm shooting from is in complete darkness.
I also make sure my lens is set between 55mm and 200mm to avoid any distortion.