How to Photograph Artwork for a Website

Setting up Your Shot

1. How to Photograph Artwork for a Website Picture 1
   Use a camera with a removable lens and manual settings if possible. While you don't need the most professional camera to shoot quality images, you want to control the lighting and white balance. DSLR cameras with removable lenses are great to use because they capture your images in high quality, and you can adjust the settings as you need to.^[1]

   1. While you can take decent images with point-and-shoot cameras and smartphones, they do not capture your images in high quality and resolution. If this is all you have, make sure you take your photos outside to capture as much detail as possible.
2. How to Photograph Artwork for a Website Picture 2
   Take your photographs on overcast days if shooting photos outdoors. It is best to take pictures of your artwork outside on cloudy days because it reduces glare on your lens and helps capture your artwork in as much detail as possible. Choose days where most or all of the sun is blocked out by clouds.^[2]

   1. Harsh, direct lighting can create reflections, cast shadows, and change the colors.
   2. To take the most advantage of daylight, shoot around 2:00pm.^[3]
3. How to Photograph Artwork for a Website Picture 3
   Shoot near a large window if taking your pictures inside. Using the natural light from a window is best for shooting indoors because you can utilize bright and soft lighting. Open up your blinds, and set up your photo shoot next to your window.^[4]

   1. If possible, shoot on partly cloudy days. On days with maximum sunlight, you can still get varying brightness levels even if shooting indoors.
4. How to Photograph Artwork for a Website Picture 4
   Use a clean, white background. To take the most detailed shots, you want to match your camera's white balance to a white background. A simple color helps keep your camera's focus on the artwork, rather than the background.^[5]

   1. You can use a white piece of fabric, white poster board, or large white piece of paper, for example.
5. How to Photograph Artwork for a Website Picture 5
   Place your artwork on a flat, level surface to take your photos. You can sit your artwork on the floor, propping it against the wall. Or, you can place hang your artwork from a hook on a clean, white wall. If you have paper artwork, it is helpful to put it a frame so you can either prop it or hang it up.^[6]
6. How to Photograph Artwork for a Website Picture 6
   Use a tripod to keep your camera from moving. Tripods keep your camera stationary when shooting, which is necessary to take the most detailed and clear images. To connect your tripod to your camera, look for the screw at the top of your tripod. Insert it into the base of your camera, and tighten it into place.^[7]

   1. Alternatively, you can use a monopod. They are helpful tools to keep your camera from moving, though they aren't quite as secure as tripods.
   2. If you don't have a tripod or monopod, use any flat, level surface to keep your camera straight.
7. How to Photograph Artwork for a Website Picture 7
   Adjust your camera's angle so your artwork is in the center of the shot. Move your camera up or down to match the angle of your artwork so they are parallel. You can adjust your camera by using the hand lever on your tripod or by gently lifting the base of the tripod up or down. You may need to move your camera closer or further from your art to keep it centered.^[8]

   1. On average, your camera should be about 4–5 ft (1.2–1.5 m) from your art.
   2. If your artwork is hanging from a hook, you want your camera to be straight with your piece.
   3. If your artwork needs to be at a slant, tilt your camera slightly.
8. How to Photograph Artwork for a Website Picture 8
   Turn off the lights in your room if shooting indoors. Flip the switch on the lights in your room to minimize additional lighting. The light from your window will be plenty!^[9]

   1. Overhead lights have their own color, and they often don't mix well with the light from your window.