How to Photograph Your Art/HandCraft
How to Photograph Your Art/HandCraft
Here is some guidance on how to best photograph your art/handcrafts from our personal experience as well as from a combination of information we researched in the industry.
Most importantly, don’t stress out trying to find the perfect camera, save for the perfect camera, or the perfect shot, and what background to use etc. Have fun and don’t be afraid to be creative. Embrace any flaws you may encounter especially if you are a beginner. We would rather you have fun and share your passion with all of us than to not share with us at all.
Choose Your Camera
Whether you are using a high-end digital camera or simply just using your camera phone, choose a camera that will take quality digital photos so you can easily download onto the website.
- DSLR camera - Digital Single-Lens Reflex Camera
- Most everyday camera phones
- Point-and-shoot cameras
Note: The photo that you see on your phone or website still may not look as good as what you see on your computer/monitor screen or vice versa. This could be because of different resolutions.
Use a Full-frontal Image Pose
By using a full-frontal image pose, you want viewers to see as much of your Artwork/Handcraft as possible.
- Find a location with a clean and clear background so only your Artwork/Handcraft is shown.
- Have your camera pointing directly across your Artwork/Handcraft (90-degree angle).
- Use a tripod or prop up your camera or Artwork/Handcraft will help so you are of equal height or directly across.
- Take multiple photos and if you have time, review on your computer to see for any flaws before uploading on the website or taking everything down.
Lighting
Whether you are using natural lighting or artificial lighting, be sure to use only one source of lighting versus a combination. This could result in your image having different colors or shading than what your original artwork/handcraft is.
Big windows with natural light can be a good source of lighting. Or if it’s kind of overcast outside, that could be another good source of lighting if you prefer to take your photo outside. You just want to be sure your shadow isn’t in the photo or reflection depending what you’ve chosen for your backdrop.
You want to avoid having shadows in your photo so only your artwork/handcraft is in full display. Unless of course that is what your intentions are.
Just remember, you are trying to find the best way to showcase your artwork/handcraft virtually, so we all have a clear understanding on what we are looking at.
Additional Equipment
Using Tripods or something to prop up your artwork/handcraft or camera to help keep level or take photos.
This will help with accidently having blurred or unwanted angle images. This will also help by keeping your artwork/handcraft or camera perfectly still and avoid any fatigue because of standing long periods of time.
Use your camera timer or camera trigger (if you have one) while on a Tripod or prop to also avoid shaking or blurry images.
