Tips for photographing your artwork effectively with Bo Wong

19 February, 2024

Bo Wong provides tips for photographing your artwork effectively, categorized into sections for 2D art (paintings, works on paper) and 3D art (objects, sculpture, textiles), as well as guidelines for exhibition documentation and post-processing.

For 2D artwork:

  • Shoot in even shade or with side light from a window.
  • Position the camera parallel to the artwork.
  • Shoot in even shade (a veranda will do) or with side light (from a window), or white cardboard for background.
  • Be cautious of color casts and hotspots from household lights.
  • Stretched paintings can be shot on easels, while unmounted works can be clipped to cardboard.
  • Works on paper can be easier to shoot prior to framing under glass.

For 3D artwork:

  • Use a large background to provide flexibility in angles.
  • Light objects from a side/front angle, with exceptions for glass which may need backlighting.
  • Utilize reflectors for fill light if necessary.
  • Take photos from multiple angles and consider close-ups for texture details.
  • Hang textiles on a white wall or lay them on a clear surface for shooting.

“Exhibition documentation is extremely important for artists to give the show longevity and reference for future funding opportunities.”

Exhibition documentation tips include framing wide-angle views centrally, avoiding cutting artworks off midway, include whole artworks only, and avoiding including other artists’ work in group shows for simplicity in crediting.

For post-processing, a free photo editing app such as Lightroom Mobile is recommended for adjusting exposure, contrast, cropping, white balance, and perspective correction.

ABOUT BO WONG:

Bo Wong is a photographer working in the visual arts sector. Her client list includes the Art Gallery of WA and the State Art Collection, PICA, the WA Museum and many other public and private collections, arts organisations and individual artists. With over two decades working as a professional photographer, Bo is uniquely placed to understand the changing needs of creatives in an increasingly digital and marketing heavy environment.

Website: www.bowong.com.au Instagram: @b_o_w_o_n_g