Hey there art enthusiasts! Wanna know the secret to capturing fantastic digital images of your own paintings?
Whether you're a pro artist, or just a creative soul, we've got your back! Follow these 10 super-friendly steps, and you'll be selling your own stunning artworks like a boss!
What You'll Need:
- A cool digital camera or a high-res smartphone.
- Tripod (for rock-steady shots).
- Nice, soft lighting (natural light or some studio lights).
- Soft cloths or lens cleaners to keep it all shiny.
- A white balance card (fancy but optional).
- Photo editing magic (like Adobe Photoshop or a free one like GIMP).
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Find the Perfect Spot:
Look for a spot with good light and minimal distractions. Natural light rocks! Avoid harsh sunlight though – it messes with the colors.
- Get the Painting and Lens Sparkling:
Gently clean the painting surface to wipe away dust and smudges. Your camera lens needs a little love too!
- Set Up the Camera:
If your camera has manual mode (M), that's the sweet spot. For smartphones, go pro if you can. Pop your camera on a tripod for steady shots that aren't blurry.
- Pose the Painting:
Stick the artwork on a wall or easel, making sure it's straight and centered in the frame. Give some space around the edges for later edits.
5. Tweak Camera Settings:
ISO: Go for the lowest ISO setting (like 100 or 200) to keep it noise-free.
Aperture: Pick a higher aperture (like f/8 to f/16) for a sharp painting with everything in focus.
Shutter Speed: Slow it down (like 1/30s or slower) to let more light in.
- Use a White Balance Card (Optional):
If you want the colors to be spot-on, grab a white balance card and set it up. It's like a color ninja!
- Light It Up (Optional):
If you've got studio lights, make them nice and soft. No harsh shadows or blinding glares, please!
- Focus and Shoot:
Set manual focus and lock in on the center of the artwork. No blurry mess! Use a remote or timer to avoid shaky shots.
- Take a Peek and Adjust:
Check out your masterpiece on the camera screen. Tweak the settings or reposition if needed.
- Show Some Post-Processing Love:
Get your pics on the computer and do some cool editing. Crop, brighten, and color-correct to match the real deal.
High-five, you did it! Now you've got awesome digital pics of paintings to share with the world. Share 'em on social media, create an art portfolio, or upload to Etsy as a Digital Download for your customers to print out for themselves - or better yet, upload to a Print On Demand Supplier and add them to Posters or Wall Art, T-Shirts, Mugs, Pillows, Blankets, Leggings, or any one of dozens of other products.
If you are planning to sell your photos on Posters or other Wall art, Mugs, Blankets etc, I use and recommend Printful as the best print-on-demand company for quality of product and customer service. Click here to have a look!
Have fun and keep being artsy!