Friday, November 19, 2010

How to Photograph Art

By Ruth Smith


Artwork is a little different to photograph than regular pictures, primarily because when taking the picture you have to be careful to capture and reflect the intended mood within the photo.

Digital or film cameras can be used although a film camera gives better results. Use a digital camera if you are inexperienced in handling film cameras or when you want to produce your photos instantly. Each camera has advantages as well as disadvantages. Regardless of the type of camera you use, some factors have to be taken into consideration in equal measure for both scenarios.

1. When using a film camera, ensure that it a Single Lens Reflex (SLR). These are cameras with a standard 50 mm lens. It will frame your picture accurately ensuring that your picture is centralized. If using a digital camera, use the LCD Monitor to frame the picture accurately. SLR cameras are perfect for when you want to photograph large pieces of artwork. For smaller pieces, macro lens is a better option.

2. If unsure about the lens size, use a zoom lens. This will help you zoom into the picture smoothly. It helps flatten the image while minimizing distortion. Use the zoom lens in its middle range where there is least or zero distortion. Distortion is most visible at the wide angle and telephoto ends.

3. Another advantage of using a film camera over a digital is the control it gives you over exposure, natural light undoubtedly being the best light to take pictures in. You can control exposure manually depending on the kind of lighting you are photographing in. If using a digital camera, auto exposure and automatic white balancing will serve to control lighting. Keep the resolution high to get the sharpest image. The larger the picture, the higher the resolution you should use. For film cameras, use the slowest speed to prevent a grainy look.

4. Align the camera to the artwork horizontally or vertically and ensure that the image fills up the frame for the sharpest look. When using the wide angle however, do not fill up the frame as the image will get distorted - fill it then back off, leaving some space around the piece of art. Minimize the background completely and where possible, eliminate it completely. This is because background on a piece of art is unnecessary. It may actually compete with your artwork for attention!

Now that you have your piece of art in a photo, the best way to conserve it is in canvas prints. Photobox canvas prints are top in the league. They are made from 100% cotton material and are reinforced with artist backing tape on the reverse to give a quality finish. The photo is wrapped around the edges of the canvas to give a soft, continuous look.

Canvas prints are easy to clean and hang perfectly from the wall or other surfaces you may prefer. You can also store your art pictures in a photobook. It allows for storage of smaller pictures and keeps your pieces in top condition for a long time.




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