Las Vegas Professional Art Photographer
Square Shooting Professional Photography is the premier art photographer in Las Vegas. Over the years we have had the privilege of working with a variety of artists. Some of our creative clients have been musicians and performers that have reached out to us for their publicity needs. These type of requests are very common for professional photographers everywhere. However, traditional artist who work with paint on canvas to express themselves also have photography needs as well.
The challenge for an artist is how to share their one-of-a-kind painting to a larger audience. They may want to share their work through their social media presence or their website. Some artists may be looking to make prints (also know as giclee) for the purpose of selling limited reproductions of their works. Other artists may need to have their completed works captured in the gallery, museum, or home in which the piece currently resides. As a professional photographer in Las Vegas, we have experienced plenty of these types of requests.
The most important factor that an artist will be seeking for their copy art photography needs is an accurate representation of the artwork. Artist spend a great deal of time thinking about the exact color pallet, textures, and dimensions they will use in expressing themselves on canvas. Since these factors are very important to the painting’s creator, the professional photographer must make sure their digital images represent these elements perfectly.
Art Photographer: Capturing for Reproduction
When pursuing a copy art assignment, there are many important factors to be aware of during the process. Specifically, the professional photographer must carefully and securely hang the artist’s piece on a wall in their studio. Optimally, the art should be hung on a black or dark colored wall. This will help minimize unwanted light bleeding into the photograph. Which could cause a shift in color tones, or make the image apear hazy or dull. Handling art should always be managed with careful treatment to ensure that no damage to the piece happens while in the photographer’s care. It should not be considered too far of a step to use white linen gloves in the handling of art so that the natural oils of the hands do not come in contact with the piece of art being moved.
Even lighting is the next important element in this process. Setting up two equally powered strobes perpendicular and on either side of the art piece is the best way to begin copy art photography. This will provide enough lighting, without creating unwanted glare or reflections. These reflections can come from the paint itself or from the glass that could be protecting the art if already framed. If the photography lighting is placed properly, these concerns are minimized for the professional photographer.
To ensure the colors are properly represented, an 18% grey card should be used during the capture process as well. This will help give the professional photographer the ideal color balance in the editing phase. Making sure the camera is absolutely level and centered will prevent distortion. These careful considerations will create accurate representations of the artist’s creative works. This meticulously created digital version of the painting will allow the artist to pursue their reproduction ambitions.
Art Photographer: Capturing in the Space
When a professional photographer is hired to capture the art in its location, the process is much different. This approach is more related to interior design photography. The importance of this photography is to show the scale of the artist work in the room. Not to make recreations of the art itself. This also allows the artist to market to new clients. It shows that other art appreciators have purchased their work. It also conveys that their client has given their art a place of prominence in their home or office. This can make the art more appealing to potential buyers. It allows them to visualize how an art piece will feel in their own residence. This will help an artist sales, which is every creative person’s ambition. To make a living creating work that people love is the ultimate goal.
Color, scale, and proper representation of the work are still the primary objective for the art photographer. Including the objects of the dwelling in the composition of the photograph is important to help perceive the scale of the artwork. Items like chairs, tables, or other interior design features should be included when capturing art in a space. Indeed, the objective is to show that this particular piece of art is the highlight of the home.
Tips for Success
Undeniably, avoiding reflections and glare are highly important in this type of assignment as well. This can be done one of two ways. Firstly, blocking off windows or lights that may be reflecting on the glass is ideal. Alternatively, placing a large black card near the painting will help make the painting more visible from behind the glass. With this second approach, the professional photographer will need to make one image for the overall room. Then take a second image that captures the artwork, without reflections, to digitally place later in the editing phase.
These are the different ways that our artists clients have contacted Square Shooting to help them market their business. With over fifteen years experience in professional photography in Las Vegas, we love helping our fellow creatives with their marketing needs. We’re always take on these fun and challenging assignments for artist and art curators. Contact us today to discus your art photography goals!
Raku Ceramic Sculpture by Dawn Renee