Tips and tricks
Tips for Photographing your Child’s Artwork
Whether you’re a parent wanting to document your child’s artistic journey or an art teacher in need of awesome photos of your students’ projects, the best camera to use is the one you have with you! And if you’re like me, that’s the iPhone in your back pocket.
With an iPhone (or other smartphone), you can take photos that are high enough quality for most uses, from printing on products to featuring on a website. Just follow these helpful tips to get the best results from your iPhone photography….
First, clean your lens! Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away any dust or smudges from your camera’s lens. Then while you’re at it, clean the front facing lens and screen, too.
Even lighting is key when photographing artwork. Use diffused, natural light near a window, on a covered deck or in an open doorway.. But when natural light isn’t possible, try setting up two lights that crisscross each other to light the work evenly and and avoid casting shadows on the artwork.
Stand directly over top of the artwork. Be sure you aren’t blocking your light source.
Pay attention to how straight you’re holding your camera. Your camera should be parrellel to the art piece. Check your view finder, the straight edges of the view finder should be parallel to the edges of the art work. Make slight adjustments to the angle of the camera until they are.
For 2D work, hang or lean the art against a wall, tilting your camera to match the angle if necessary. Allow your photo to extend just beyond the edges of the artwork, then edit with a cropping tool to make your final adjustments.
Display 3D pieces on a simple, neutral background with just enough contrast to make the work “pop”.