Get marketing news you’ll actually want to read

When you photograph artwork, lighting is the most influential factor in determining whether the final image communicates the work as the artist intended. Start with soft, diffused light to reduce harsh reflections, and position your lights at angles that minimize specular highlights on glossy surfaces. The goal is to illuminate every brushstroke, subtle tonal shift, and surface texture without washing away the artwork’s inherent character. Use two or more light sources on either side of the camera to create gentle modeling, then test shots under consistent conditions to ensure the image captures the work’s true atmosphere. Keep the environment quiet and free of extraneous shadows that can distract attention from the piece itself.

Establishing a repeatable workflow is essential for consistency across images and sessions. Select a stable setup: a solid backdrop, an amply lit space, and a camera mounted on a tripod to maintain exact framing. Calibrate your camera’s white balance with a neutral reference tile or a color checker, and lock exposure settings once the greens, reds, and blues are balanced. If possible, shoot in RAW to retain maximum color latitude and dynamic range for later adjustments. Normalize monitor calibration so that the post-production view reflects the captured data faithfully. Document your setup details so future shoots reproduce the same lighting, angle, and tonal response.

A well-controlled lighting plan embraces directionality. Place lights at roughly 30 to 45 degrees relative to the surface and slightly above eye level to sculpt dimensionality. For very glossy surfaces, broadsided diffusion minimizes hot spots while preserving specular hints that reveal glaze or varnish. If glare persists from curved frames or glass, reposition the light or tilt the artwork within its frame until reflections recede. Use a polarizing filter or polarizing attachments on the lens when necessary, but be mindful that some colors may shift under polarization. Small adjustments can yield crisp detail without sacrificing color integrity.

Consider color fidelity as a core objective, not an afterthought. A neutral or daylight-balanced light source helps avoid unwanted color casts, yet different light sources may interact with paints uniquely. If you incorporate mixed lighting, strive for a single dominant color temperature with supplementary lights that match or closely align. White balance calibration should reflect the intended illusion of viewing the piece in person, not an artificial studio glow. During the shoot, compare a variety of exposures to ensure highlights remain within safe limits and shadows retain texture. Afterward, review histograms to confirm a broad tonal range without clipping.

Diffusion is your ally when dealing with textured surfaces. A soft box or umbrella placed close to the artwork reduces harsh shadows while maintaining ridge highlights that convey brushwork and impasto. If the piece features ultra-fine texture, a subtle bounce card can fill shadows without dulling edges. Maintain a modest distance to avoid perspective distortion; however, slightly increasing distance can yield broader, more natural shading across the surface. Experiment with angles to preserve the piece’s intended depth. Document any changes you make to ensure your workflow remains coherent from shot to shot, maintaining fidelity across the collection.

When working with framed works or canvases under glass, reflections can derail a clean capture. Shield the artwork with a neutral backdrop and position the camera so that reflections fall outside the composition. If unavoidable, adjust the frame’s angle or tilt the artwork slightly away from the lens to deflect glare. A circular polarizer can help, but it may also reduce ambient light, so compensate with a modest exposure increase. For very dark scenes, use a low ISO and longer exposure on a steady tripod to maintain detail without introducing noise. After each trial, compare results on a calibrated monitor to verify color stability.

Create a baseline RAW file for every shoot, and apply a consistent white balance reference during processing. Use a color-managed workflow with ICC profiles tailored to your camera and display. In post, correct any residual color cast with mild, targeted adjustments rather than sweeping changes that smear texture. Keep adjustments non-destructive so you can revise as needed without degrading capture quality. When documenting your edits, note the degree of correction and the lighting conditions for transparency and future replication. This disciplined approach helps you preserve the artwork’s original hues across different viewing environments.

Lighting continuity across a series promotes visual cohesion in a portfolio. Maintain identical color temperature, light placement, and exposure tendencies for each work so your gallery or catalog presents a unified perception. If one piece requires a unique treatment—perhaps due to reflective varnish or deep saturations—record the exception and reproduce the same approach consistently for future similar cases. Subtle tonal corrections can unify disparate images, but avoid excessive manipulation that obscures the artist’s intent. A well-documented, repeatable system earns trust with clients, curators, and collectors who rely on authentic representation.

Before committing to final captures, shoot a controlled test sequence that mirrors your typical work. Assess whether the luminance distribution faithfully reveals the surface texture and color relationships. Pay attention to shadow detail in the darkest regions and highlight retention in the brightest areas. If color swatches near the artwork drift from expected hues, re-evaluate your white balance and light angles. It’s essential to verify that the image translates well on different displays, as viewers may use varied devices. Fine-tune temperatures and exposure after reviewing several frames, then lock the best combination for the finished archive.

After settling on a strong baseline, create a concise, repeatable shooting checklist. Include setup validation steps, camera settings, lighting positions, and post-processing targets. A checklist minimizes slippage during busy sessions and ensures that every image in a batch meets the same standard. Regularly review a subset of completed images against the original artwork to confirm ongoing fidelity. If you notice drift over time, recalibrate your lights and white balance to restore consistency. This proactive approach protects your catalog from subtle, cumulative color shifts and glare.

Documentation isn’t merely administrative; it is the backbone of reliable art photography. Record details like camera model, lens choice, focal length, distance to the artwork, and the exact light setup using diagrams or notes. Archive RAW files alongside fully corrected TIFFs or JPEGs with embedded color profiles to preserve the chain of custody for future inspection. Keep a log of monitor calibration dates and reference checks so the viewing experience remains stable across time and devices. Regularly revisit older images to confirm color and glare behavior still align with current standards, especially after equipment changes.

Finally, periodic recalibration supports long-term accuracy and trust. Schedule routine equipment checks, including light source aging, diffuser wear, and lens performance. Revisit your white balance and exposure targets whenever you acquire new artwork types or change the space. Consider collaborating with colleagues to validate color decisions through blind comparisons, which can uncover subtle biases or assumptions. A disciplined, reflective practice ensures your photographic representations stay honest, precise, and useful for artists, curators, and collectors who rely on your expertise to document a legacy accurately.