How to Photograph Your Work

Last Updated: December 26, 2024 ​​

 

Image file requirements

• A JPG file in RGB color format (not CMYK)

• At least 1200 pixels x 1500 pixels

• Less than 50MB

 

Upload multiple images

The number one request from interested buyers prior to purchasing an artwork online is to see additional images. You can add up to five (5) additional images. We highly encourage you to add additional images of your artwork hanging on a wall, detail shots, close ups, the edges, and the back of the artwork.

 

Lighting

Color Balance and Exposure

The color of the room, temperatures and use of flash can all distort the color balance, resulting in blues, yellows and greys that really should more closely resemble white.

 

Harsh Shadows and Reflections

Ensure your light-source provides even color and no directional shadows or reflections, which can distract from your artwork.

 

Quality

Noise and/or Compression

Avoid excessive noise by using a low ISO, (ideally between 100-200), or by shooting in sufficient light. (A cloudy day can be ideal, as the clouds work like a giant softbox). Check to ensure your camera is shooting at its highest quality settings and the file is saved at maximum quality.

 

Out of Focus / Motion Blur

Review images at 100% when choosing the best shot, to ensure you also choose the best focus. (By shooting with sufficient light, you decrease the likelihood of camera shake when shooting hand-held).

 

Post-Production Over Filtering

Some files may benefit with post-production by adjusting color, brightness or contrast to more closely resemble the actual artwork. However, files that have been heavily post-processed, affecting confusion of medium or quality (color range) of artwork are subject to deactivation.

 

Upsampling

Increasing the file size only decreases quality. Instead of the misconception it will allow a file to be printed at a larger size, it actually decreases the quality in which the file will print.

 

Intrusive Digital Signatures or Text

Artwork celebrates the signature of the artists, representing ownership and creation; however, digital watermarks or in camera date and times make your work appear less valuable.

 

Composition

Parallel Angles/Rotation

If you must tilt artwork to take a photograph, ensure the camera is also at a parallel angle. A square or rectangle should have even edges.

 

Borders and Padding

Crop excessive blank space, artwork borders, mattes and padding. Adding extra space will not bypass you from minimum size requirements.

 

Composition: Rotation 90º-180º

Artwork should be properly rotated upon submission.