Photography for Artists: Basics That Build Confidence

Photographing Your Artwork 101: The Essential Guide for Artists and Makers

As an artist and a professional photographer with nearly 15 years of experience, I’ve spent countless hours behind the lens, perfecting the art of capturing the essence of creative works. Now, as a painter myself, I deeply understand the unique challenges artists face when it comes to photographing their creations. Whether you’re showcasing your work online, preparing to create prints, or exploring licensing opportunities, capturing your art beautifully is an essential skill—and I’m here to help you master it.

That’s why I created Photography for Artists: Basics That Build Confidence, a masterclass designed specifically for artists and makers. With my dual perspective as a photographer and artist, I’ll guide you through the tools and techniques that will elevate your artwork photography to the next level.

This blog post is your introduction to some of the concepts we’ll explore in the class. Think of it as a starting point to understand where you might need more help. Let’s dive in!

Why Good Photography Matters for Artists

Imagine a potential buyer scrolling through Instagram or visiting your online shop. The photos they see are their first impression of your work. Crisp, well-lit, and color-accurate images don’t just make your art look good—they communicate its quality and value.

Great photos can:

• Attract buyers and collectors.
• Open doors to licensing or gallery opportunities.
• Build confidence in your brand as a professional artist.

1. The Power of Natural Light

Good lighting is the foundation of great photos. Natural light, in particular, is an artist’s best friend. Here are the three types to know:

• Full Sunlight

  • Bright and vibrant but can create harsh shadows. Best used with a diffuser or during golden hour for softer light.
  • Think: Drama and boldness.

• Open Shade

  • Even, diffused light without harsh shadows. Perfect for true-to-life color representation.
  • Think: Balanced and professional.

• Dappled Light

  • Light filtered through trees or other objects, creating artistic patterns. Beautiful but tricky to control for consistent results.
  • Think: Playful and unique.

In the masterclass, I’ll show you how to identify and use these lighting types to flatter your artwork.

2. Smartphone Photography for Artists

You don’t need an expensive DSLR to start photographing your art. Modern smartphones are powerful tools for artists. Here’s how to make the most of them:

• Camera Settings: Adjust exposure, focus, and resolution to capture detail.
• Angles and Framing: Showcase your work in context or crop it for a clean, professional look.
• Editing Apps: Use tools like Snapseed, Lightroom Mobile, or VSCO to fine-tune brightness, contrast, and color.

3. Resolution Matters: Preparing for Prints

If you’re planning to create prints or license your work, resolution is key. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Megapixels: Determine the detail your camera can capture. Higher megapixels = more capacity for creating large prints.
• DPI (Dots Per Inch): Affects print clarity. 300 DPI is the gold standard for high-quality prints.

In the masterclass, we’ll cover how to ensure your photos meet professional standards for both prints and licensing. We'll also cover understanding print capabilities you have right now, with whatever gear you've got to photographing your art - even if it's just your cell phone.

4. Editing Basics for Polished Photos

Editing can take a good photo and make it great. Some quick tips:

• Adjust Brightness and Contrast: Make your art pop without overexposing it.
• Crop with Care: Remove distractions while keeping your composition balanced.
• Color Correct: Ensure the colors in your photo match your artwork in real life.

Tools like Lightroom Mobile and Snapseed are fantastic for beginners and pros alike.

5. Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Even seasoned artists make mistakes when photographing their work. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Shooting in low light, which creates grainy images.
• Using auto settings exclusively instead of adjusting for your needs.
• Over-editing, which can make your art look unnatural.

Ready to Build Your Confidence?

This blog is just the start. My masterclass, Photographing Your Artwork 101: The Essential Guide for Artists and Makers, is your one-stop guide to understanding the essentials. Whether you’re preparing for prints, licensing, or simply want to showcase your work beautifully online, this class will help you identify where you need the most guidance and give you the confidence to grow.

This masterclass is designed as an introduction to photographing your artwork, giving you a solid foundation to build upon. While we’ll touch on key topics like lighting, smartphone settings, and editing, these are just the first steps into much deeper techniques that I’ll explore in future courses. If you’ve ever felt unsure about where to start, this class is for you!

In this masterclass, you’ll learn:

• How to use natural light to highlight your work.
• Smartphone photography tips and tricks.
• Preparing your photos for large prints and licensing.
• Editing basics to create polished, professional images.

Final Thoughts

Great photography isn’t just about technical skills—it’s about presenting your work in a way that captures its essence and tells its story. With the right tools and techniques, you can confidently share your creations with the world, knowing they’ll be seen at their best.

Why wait? Let’s transform the way you photograph your artwork and open the door to new opportunities for your creative business.

👉 Sign up for the Free Masterclass today!