Photographing Your Artwork 101: The Essential Guide for Artists and Makers
Capturing your artwork on camera isn’t just a technical step, it’s one of the most powerful ways to elevate your creative business. As both an artist and a professional photographer with nearly 15 years of experience, I know firsthand how important it is to represent your work with clarity, accuracy, and style.
Whether you’re showcasing your paintings online, preparing files for prints, or submitting pieces for licensing or gallery review, the way you photograph your art can make a lasting impression and open real doors.
This post introduces core concepts from my free class, Photography for Artists: Basics That Build Confidence. If you’re not sure where to start or how to level up your photography, you’re in the right place.
Why Good Photography Matters
Your photos are often the first (and sometimes only) chance a potential buyer or curator has to connect with your work. Great images not only showcase your technique and style, but they also build trust in your brand and professionalism.
Strong artwork photography can:
- Attract buyers, collectors, and licensing opportunities
- Set your shop or portfolio apart in a saturated digital space
- Give you confidence in how you present and promote your creations
The Power of Natural Light
Lighting can make or break your photos. For most artists, natural light is the best place to start. It’s accessible, flattering, and doesn’t require complicated gear.
Here are three key types of natural light to understand:
Full Sunlight
Bright and vibrant, but can create harsh shadows. Ideal during golden hour or when diffused by sheer curtains.
Open Shade
Even, soft, and consistent. Excellent for true-to-life color and minimizing distractions from shadows or glare.
Dappled Light
Filtered through trees or objects, dappled light can feel magical but is harder to control. Best used for lifestyle or behind-the-scenes shots, not your hero product images.
In the masterclass, I guide you through how to work with these lighting types in real-time, using simple adjustments that make a big impact.
Smartphone Photography: Yes, You Can Start Here
You don’t *need* a fancy DSLR to take beautiful photos. Today’s smartphones are powerful tools when you know how to use them intentionally.
Inside the class, we cover:
- Camera settings for exposure, focus, and resolution
- Framing and angles to showcase your work at its best
- Mobile editing apps like Lightroom Mobile, Snapseed, or VSCO to adjust brightness, contrast, and color accuracy
You can start documenting your work right now with the tools you already have.
Resolution Basics for Print and Licensing
If you plan to create high-quality prints or license your work, resolution is key. Two concepts every artist should understand:
Megapixels
This refers to how much detail your camera captures. Higher megapixels allow for clearer, larger reproductions.
DPI (Dots Per Inch)
For crisp, professional prints, 300 DPI is the industry standard. If you’re preparing images for printers or galleries, this detail matters.
In the masterclass, we walk through exactly how to check and prep your image files… no confusing tech speak required.
Editing Your Images for a Polished Look
Editing is where your photo goes from “okay” to exceptional. It’s not about filters or over-processing—it’s about making sure your photo reflects the true essence of your artwork.
Key tips:
- Adjust brightness and contrast to reflect your art’s vibrancy without losing subtlety
- Crop intentionally to remove background clutter while maintaining strong composition
- Color correct so that the photo mirrors your actual piece as closely as possible
Simple, intuitive editing tools like Snapseed or Lightroom Mobile can give you powerful results with minimal effort.
Avoiding Common Photography Mistakes
Even talented artists sometimes struggle with the photography side of their business. A few common pitfalls to watch for:
- Shooting in poor light, which creates grainy or dull images
- Relying entirely on automatic camera settings
- Over-editing photos, which makes the artwork feel artificial or misrepresented
The good news? These are easy to fix once you know what to look for.
Ready to Build Your Photography Confidence?
This blog post is just the beginning. Photographing Your Artwork 101: The Essential Guide for Artists and Makers is my free workshop designed to help artists like you take better photos, share your work proudly, and feel confident in every visual touchpoint of your business.
In the class, you’ll learn how to:
- Use natural light to highlight your art beautifully
- Make the most of your smartphone for clean, professional shots
- Prepare your photos for print, licensing, or promotional use
- Edit with confidence and intention
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your image quality for a polished portfolio or online shop, this class gives you a strong foundation to grow from.
Your art deserves to be seen in its best light—literally.