http://bermangraphics.com/blog/care-and-feeding-of-your-jury-images/
Once upon a time there was an artist who sold his paintings every weekend at art shows. He took a few pictures of his paintings, and for the few shows that required it, hung his paintings on the fence next to his house and took a “display” picture. The film was dropped off at the corner drug store where he picked up the slides three days later. He filled out a paper application, included two checks, a few 35mm slides and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The envelope containing everything was dropped in the mail box.
When the jury results came from the show, he could usually tell if he got in because the envelope didn’t include the slides, just a sheet of paper telling of the acceptance and that more information would be coming in the months ahead. Applying to art shows was easy and life was good.
The Internet and digital cameras changed everything. Computers with web browsers and digital cameras with image editing software changed the application process. Applying to art shows became easier, so easy that application numbers jumped, and applying to art shows became more competitive. 2004 was the turning point.
This is an update of my article on how to set your camera to photograph artwork. It has many more tips and suggestions, including a section on managing images on your computer. Since the full article is too long to post here (at 3500 words), continue reading the article on my web site.
http://bermangraphics.com/blog/care-and-feeding-of-your-jury-images/
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
Comments
Hi Robert, That's not what this thread is about.
Give me a call and I'll offer some suggestions on how to photograph it.
Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100
The pieces are only partly finished with Photoshop. They are printed on uncoated and heavily textured watercolor papers. The printing process wicks the dots and the texture of the piece is part of the work. The original file is not the same. Think of it as a graphics arts process where a camera copy of the final piece is made. The texture changes the character of the image, and I'm curious if a judge should see that emphasized. If it is the case, then I would use a strong side light to bring out the texture and a 1 stop down fill light to reduce harsh shadows. Same idea as a heavily textured painting.
Why are you photographing a photograph. You should be using using the digital file formatted for jurying.
Larry Berman
Here's a little different question from a photographer; how would you light a photo printed on highly textured paper? Would you go for the gusto and light to bring out texture or go for a flat light. It would seem that the unusual media should be obvious and not look like a filter was applied. Then again, I'm not getting into the minds of the judges lately.
Good reading, hopefully it will help me get better pictures after I finish my current works in progress.
Thank you Larry! This article covers so much critical information. I'm in the process of shooting my jewelry with the graduated background instead of just black. It's a learning curve... getting it suspended at just the correct height for the best shadow, getting the curve of the gradient at the correct point for each piece...it just goes on and on. Thanks again.
I just recently bought a 48" light tent on Amazon and I wish I bought this long time ago! I can't believe how much time I save and get perfect results on my paintings. My paintings are different because I paint on wood, then smash a hole in it and reveal a painting on the other side. Because of the 2" depth between the wood and the canvas, it's hard as hell not to pick up shadows Not a problem with this tent! All I do is set up the tent, put a 5k light on each side of it and shoot!
What's your medium? I always recommend the EZCube because they have an elegant way to suspend jewelry. Make sure the cube is proportional to the size of your artwork. For jewelry I use a 20 inch cube. Besides the EZCube, a lot depends on the lighting. A tripod is always required and you need to generate soft diffused lighting.
Larry Berman
Larry, what is the light box you recommended to Cindy? I need to either buy one or make one. It's much too cold to take photos outdoors!
Larry, as always you and your website are a Goldmine of extremely valuable information. I just read your article again...I have frequently read it and I always learn something that definitely helps me improve bit by bit.. I have learned so many good things about taking photos and it makes me constantly realize just how much I don't know and always need to improve.
Thanks...!
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