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05/03/2004 07:52:22 PM · #1 |
Anyone have experience with this?
What is the minimum needed (i.e. equipment?) to do this?
There is an art exhibition I have been asked to photograph. Mostly large paintings (16X20 and up).
I want to know if I have the right stuff before I accept or decline.
Thanks.
also - what would you charge for something like that?
Message edited by author 2004-05-03 19:52:56. |
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05/03/2004 08:03:31 PM · #2 |
I'm assuming you'll be photographing with the goal to create perfect reproductions of the paintings... right?
If so, I'm not an expert. Actually, I've never done it. But what comes to mind is a tripod, polarizing filter (in case the paint is very textured and glossy), many light sources, diffusers, and making sure you know exactly at what zoom level your camera has no barrel or pincushion distortion. |
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05/03/2004 08:20:42 PM · #3 |
For this type work, charge by the hour or by the entire job, not individual photos.
Rates: at least $50 per hour.
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05/03/2004 08:21:01 PM · #4 |
hm... okay.. so I have a small portable studio light set up. Main light (that I can get a diffuser for), and a fill light with a reflector umbrella.
Both lights 500 watts.
suitable?
I have a polarizer too.
Message edited by author 2004-05-03 20:21:40. |
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05/03/2004 08:22:40 PM · #5 |
If you are going on-site, you'll need a tripod for sure. Also a polarizing lens in case you get glare from the art work. Sounds fun!
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05/03/2004 08:26:03 PM · #6 |
yup.. tripod .. all of that..
I guess my main concern was the lighting. :) |
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05/03/2004 08:26:35 PM · #7 |
Karen...I haven't had so much luck photographing artwork...this is what I did to what I thought I was going to submit to Porportions...
This is the original
And this is what I did in PS
As for some help, if you are photographic oil on canvas you will have to diffuse a lot, the stuff is incredibly reflective and does come out very very bright on the digital array.
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05/03/2004 08:29:54 PM · #8 |
| You'll want a way to level the tripod/camera and adjust the height so that the art and the film/sensor plane are as parallel as possible (assuming you've dealt with the reflections) to reduce perspective distortions. |
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05/03/2004 09:18:46 PM · #9 |
Karen,
I have done this in the past. My comments:
a. If possible, get the artists invoved. You will find may of the art pieces may not be the "right" ratio for 35mm (1.5 to 1). Some artists would like it shot so that the image is a horizontal, others a vertical. Some will even want you to "crop" the image in camera - leaving out some of it. Some will want you to include the frame (for flat art) while others may want you to eliminate the frame.
b) Your lighting is indeed a secret, but the fears about bad reflections shouldn't be a problem if you set up the strobes so that they are both 45 degrees from the artwork, on both sides. So the camera is in the middle and you have one strobe on each side positioned at 45 degrees. It is definitely better if the strobes are softened. A polarizer may help some, but I wouldn't be that excited about using one.
c. When you set up the camera, try to keep the lens at about the same height as the center of any artwork and shoot "straight on" that will elimnate most of the keystoning effects.
d. If your lights are strong enough try to shoot at the optimum f stop for the lens you use, most likely around f11 or so. If you have time, try to bracket your shots if you use the light meter in camera. Better yet, use an external light meter and get the exposure nailed with a grey card before you start shooting and shoot in manual mode.
e. I've priced it two different ways, by the piece - I believe it was $50 for each one - and by a day rate of $1000. In both cases, it was for a co-op photo gallery with between 20 and 30 artists - each having 4 or 5 pieces. On another ocassion a local artist who had huge artwork of multiple types conned me into a "half-day" rate....
Remember it's not hard - just very methodical and technical to do it right....
Best of luck - I'm sure you'll enjoy it - especially when it's finished!
Message edited by author 2004-05-03 21:34:23. |
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03/23/2007 07:39:40 PM · #10 |
| I just wanted to ask if anyone else had any further advice as I have this opportunity currently. Thanks. |
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03/23/2007 07:46:29 PM · #11 |
I think  photom's post summarizes it pretty well. As a follow-up, you should probably set a custom White Balance once you have the lights set up, if possible.
If you are photographing sculpture, you may need some backdrops to isolate them from the background. |
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03/24/2007 02:05:36 PM · #12 |
Thanks.
Just in case anyone else is interested, I found this resource while searching for more information.
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