The word Photography is derived from a combination of the Greek words "photo," which means light, and "graph," which means to draw. Using the combination of words, photography literally means to 'draw or a drawing with light.'
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Photography is defined as:
noun
1. The the art, application, and practice of creating durable images by recording light,
either electronically by means of an image sensor, or chemically by means of a
light-sensitive material such as photographic film
2. The process of recording an image – a photograph – on lightsensitive film or,
in the case of digital photography, via a digital electronic or magnetic memory.
verb
1. an act or instance of photographing.
How to Photograph Paintings (Oil or Pastel)
Since artists are required to submit work digitally for exhibitions, good photography offers the first impression of your art and your professionalism.
Photographing oil painting is very difficult. Oil paintings are created with many different brush strokes in many different directions so light bounces off of the paint strokes in all directions. The thicker the paint the worst the various reflections will be and if it is glazed it will reflex the light source.
Sunlight greatly simplifies the photographing process. Strong sunlight will reduce the light bouncing back from different layers of oil paint resulting in shiny and dark areas of the painting in the photo.
- Wait until the painting dries, this will help reduce the reflections.
- Go outside on an overcast day.
- Lay the painting down flat on the ground. Use a dark color cloth behind the painting to reduce color interference and light changes. Also, make sure that your shadow is not on the painting as you stand over it.
- Get as little angle distortion as possible. You may need to experiment with the position. Use a tripod if needed to reduce the camera movement.
- Take several shots until you are happy with the results. You will be surprised how well this method works versus trying to take photos inside using special lighting conditions.
Resources
See below.
Articles
- How To Photography Your Artwork by Tom Schmidt
- How To Photography Your Artwork by the Art Academy
- How to Take Good Images of Your Artwork by Terry Howell Stanley
- How to Photography Flat Artwork by Adorama Learning Center
- How To Photograph Your Paintings (Digitally) by BetterPhoto.com