How to take digital photographs of your paintings

These days, most people have a access to a digital camera. Photographs can be downloaded onto a computer and send via email or transferred to a disc and sent in the post. Generally, if you are only taking pictures of your work for publishing on the web, you do not need a camera of more that 2 mega pixels.

Some common sense tips on taking pictures of paintings

1. Use a tripod if possible - it prevents the negative effect of hand shake.
2. If possible, always remove eventual protective glass from a painting before taking photographs of it.
3. Most people do not have access to studio lights but a spot in the shade outside is just as effective, if not better than studio lights.
4. When taking a photograph, the camera should usually be placed at the same height as, and aimed exactly at the centre of the painting.
5. When photographing small paintings you can get acceptable results if you take your pictures leaning over the painting.
6. You can also try placing the painting against a wall.
7. Either way, you may also find it useful to place a big piece of white cardboard or hardboard behind your painting. This will remove any distracting background and allow the viewer to concentrate on your artwork.
8. The built in camera flash is useless in most cases as it reflects on the painting causing glare - turn off your flash if you can.
9. If you have no choice, put your finger over its centre of the flash to minimise flash reflections.

If you are intending to sell your work, you should consider employing a professional photographer to take the photos, or at least a talented ameteur.

Alternatives to digital photographs - scanning techniques

If you do not have access to a digital camera, an alternative option is scan in normal photographic prints of your work. If you do not have a scanner, you can post the prints to us and we can do the scanning for you (although there would be a small charge for this service).

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