PHOTOGRAPHING ART
few seconds so you can get out of the
way before the picture is taken.
ACTION!
When shooting framed artworks, one
of the most common problems is
catching glare and refl ections of the
camera on the surface, but you can
prevent this using a piece of black
card. Simply create a mask by cutting
a hole into the card just large enough
for your SLR lens or phone camera to
peep through, and if the card the
same size as your phone or camera it
will prevent glare obscuring your work.
Once set up, you might fi nd that
your artifi cial light sources are too
bright. Filters can be used to soften
the light and the best kind to use will
depend on the type light you are using
- white nylon diffusion fabric is a
good and relatively cheap option to
try. Take care not to hang the fabric
too close to the light source, however,
as most will generate heat and could
ignite the fabric. Many photographic
lights will come with an optional
frame and clips for attaching fi lters,
but a similar effect can be created for
fl oodlights using wire or a coat hanger.
Even when using all of the above
methods, inconsistencies can still
appear in your photographs, which is
when post-editing software comes
into play. Photoshop is perhaps the
most professional and widely-used
programme, but there are many free
options which are perfect for
beginners to practise with including
Lightroom and Pixlr Editor. Simple
retouches can be made to correct
colour imbalances or delete
backgrounds, giving you a clean and
professional collection of images.
It’s important to be able to send
high-resolution images of your work
when applying for competitions or
planning exhibitions. If you’re having
diffi culty sending large fi les via email,
online document sharing platforms
such as Google Docs, Dropbox and
WeTransfer are an excellent way to
share download links.
Getting your work online also means
that prospective buyers can see it.
Portfolio Plus is an online community
hosted by Artists & Illustrators where
you can share, showcase and sell
your art commission-free. It is easy to
set up a personalised web page and
benefi t from thousands of viewers
every month. Find out more at the
web address below.
http://www.artistsandillustrators.co.uk/registerSTUDIO IDEAS
ESSENTIALKITFORTAKINGPROFESSIONAL
PHOTOGRAPH RTWORKCanonEOS250DDSLR
withEF-S18-55mmlens
£599.99,www.canon.co.ukAdobePhotoshop
Elements 2019
£89.99,
http://www.johnlewiscomManfrotto CompactAction
Aluminum Tripod withHybrid
Head£69.95, http://www.manfrotto.comee
Softbhttp://www.CameraTrax
24ColorCard
£19.95,
http://www.amazon.co.ukArtists & Illustrators 69