Photgraphing paintings

[martcol]

An acomplished artist has asked me to photograph and archive pictures of his paintings. Any tips or advice? There is also every possibility that the photos will get printed in exhibition brochures and a book. How should I store images that a printer might use.

I don't have a studio but I'm thinking natural light and my 24-70 L lens on my 10D maybe off camera fill flash if the painting has a lot of texture?

Last question - how much per shot? Should I make that low cost and ask for mention or fee for published shots? I don't really care about the cost but then again....

Thanks

Martin

[PhotosGuy]

Do a google search for:
"Photographing paintings"
& you'll get a lot of info. Also search this forum. It's already been covered in detail in the last 4 months.

[martcol]

Thanks Frank - I feel a bit of a Div now :oops:

[PhotosGuy]

:wink:

[Brianbar]

My wife is an artist, so either of us will take photo's of her work.
What we found best is available light (no flash) either indoors close to a window, or outside in a shaded place, never in direct sunlight.
As for a fee to charge, start high you can always come down.
Somebody has to pay for your knowledge and equipment, so go for it.
Good luck.
My wife's wed site should you you wish see the results is:
www.lindabarringer.com
Brian
10D
G3
28-105 USM
75-300 USM

[Brianbar]

One other thing I forgot to mention, is that we NEVER take photographs of artwork behind glass.

Brian

[robertwgross]

I agree with Brian. Although it is certainly possible to shoot artwork under glass, the likelihood of reflections makes it tricky to do. You have to have (generally) two flashes at 45 degree angles right and left. Then sometimes a polarizer can blot out some of the reflection.

It if is agreeable to the artist, try to shoot without glass over it.

---Bob Gross---

[PhotosGuy]

You have to have (generally) two flashes at 45 degree angles right and left. Then sometimes a polarizer can blot out some of the reflection.
Paintings with texture will still reflect light from the 'little bumps', so you still need a polarizer.
45 degree lights inside will be the only way to maintain consistency of exposure and color balance.
-Thus spake Kodak 40 years ago.

[robertwgross]

Paintings with texture will still reflect light from the 'little bumps', so you still need a polarizer.
45 degree lights inside will be the only way to maintain consistency of exposure and color balance.
-Thus spake Kodak 40 years ago.

Kodak was shooting digital back 40 years ago? Wow!

Just joking.

I'll bet Ansel Adams is turning over in his grave.

---Bob Gross---

[PhotosGuy]

Kodak was shooting digital back 40 years ago? Wow!
Everyone was! (Place the first digit on the release, & press down!) Except those who favored a cable release, of course.
:wink:

[martcol]

Thanks for all the advice and:

1) I did find heaps through Google
2) I read the other thread
3) Pictures will be in artist's studio
4) No glass
5) No hurry.
6) I am looking forward to this as my first serious project. No longer do I only have to take pics of the dog, kids, other half, local park and the furniture! (NNITHO)

Martin

PS: What about archiving a file that will be useful to printer (should I say "Printing House?") Will a TIFF do?

[martcol]

Thanks for all the advice and:


6) I am looking forward to this as my first serious project.


Actually, that's not quite fair: every time I pick up my 10D it's serious!

Martin

[martcol]

My wife's web site should you wish see the results is:
www.lindabarringer.com
Brian

Brian, I just had a look: that really is excellent! I just have to guess you're both happy with colour and it really does give a good idea of the standard and quality of the work!

Thanks for posting

Martin

[PhotosGuy]

What about archiving a file that will be useful to printer (should I say "Printing House?") Will a TIFF do?
Yes, it's recommended, but I strongly recommend that you talk to them FIRST, to see what parameters will work best for them. Plus, they’ll charge extra for every little thing they have to change in your file!

[cosiecki]

Someone brought up Adams in an earlier post, so I though it might be helpful to share a point I read in one of his books. He suggested, for photographing paintings, using a flash. His technique was to use a polarizer on the camera AND the flash. Set them 90 degrees off each other and you won't get hot spots, but you will get even light. He suggested putting the flash at a bit of an angle to the painting to get some relief shadows from the paint. I haven't taken pictures of paintings, so I have never used it. If you have the means though, it might be worth a try.

Chris