Preparing to Take Photographs
Photograph your artwork in a clean and clutter-free area. Make sure that your hands are clean and dry. You may consider using gloves.
If your artwork is framed under glass, and you feel comfortable removing it from the frame, we recommend that you do so. Glare can distort your photographs. If you are not comfortable with this step, don’t worry, you can still take great photographs of your artwork.
Lighting
Take your artwork to an area with good natural light (outdoors on an overcast day or a room with strong natural indirect light) and make sure there are no shadows on the surface. Don’t place the artwork in direct sunlight to photograph it because the bright light can distort the colors.
If you do not have access to natural light, take two light sources with the same wattage bulb and place one to the right and left of your artwork, so that they illuminate the work evenly from each side.
If your artwork is framed under glass, and you cannot remove it, make sure that there is no direct light bouncing off the surface of the glass, causing distortion. You may need to photograph the work at a slight angle to avoid this. Do not use a flash.
Artwork Position
It is best to hang your artwork on a blank, solid-colored wall, or use an easel if you have one available. You can also place your artwork upright on a firm sofa, or lean it against a neutral wall. Make sure the work is as upright as possible. If your artwork is unframed, lay it carefully on a clean, dry surface, such as a freshly made bed or clean carpet.
Camera Position
Make sure the entire artwork is in the camera's frame, including corners and sheet edges. Hold the camera “straight on,” parallel to the center of the artwork.
It is recommended to take these different photos of your artwork:
- Image of entire front. Make sure nothing is cut out of the photograph.
- Images of the signature, date, and any other writing on the work.
- Close-up images of interesting, detailed, or beautiful areas.
- Angled images illustrating the surface texture and/or brushstrokes. Position the camera so that the light falls across the surface and emphasizes the texture of the work.
- Close-up images of any surface paint loss, craquelure, dirt, repairs, tears, or creases. If condition issues are not disclosed, a buyer can return the work.
- An image of the entire back. Make sure to include the entire sheet of paper in the photograph.
- A close-up image of any labels, stamps, or writing.