General Photographing Artworks tips
Examples of the kind of art and design work that must be photographed:
- Book Jackets
- Books
- Package design
- Sculpture
- Ceramics
- 3D-Design
Making accurate photographs of your 3-dimensional art and design works is critically important. This is especially true for 2 main reasons:
- Mockups, prototypes, models, maquettes are all very temporary. You have typically been very careful to create a well-crafted and creative design out of paper. However, that paper version will not remain in that prime condition for very long.
- You can’t carry 3-dimensional pieces with you to interviews. It would be very awkward and unwieldly to do so.
Photograph your work from at least three different angles. This is to show the 3-dimensionality of the form. Try to capture the best features of your design as well as the 3-dimensionality of the form itself. (this typically means photographing from at least one 3/4 view)
Absolutely avoid accidentally capturing distracting objects, patterns, images in the background. The focus of the picture is on your design alone.
The best option for you is to always photograph your design on the sweep table in the photo studio. If you are familiar with and have been instructed how to use the studio lights, use them here. If you have not been instructed in the proper use of these special lights, then open the curtains, turn off the overhead lights and use the natural light coming in the windows, (obviously this requires you to photograph during the daylight hours, not after dark). You should position the table so that the design receives the optimum exposure from the sunlight.
