Photographing your Artwork

Taking captivating photos of your artwork is crucial for making sales. Buyers want to see exactly what they’re purchasing, and high-quality photography can make all the difference. Follow these tips to ensure your artwork shines:

Why Great Photos Matter

Excellent photography can transform casual interest into a confident purchase. Customers prefer clear, detailed images that eliminate any doubts about the artwork.

Essential Photos for Every Artwork

We require three photos for each listing:

1. Main Photo (Gallery Photo): A clear, full-frontal image of the entire piece, including the frame (if applicable). No background walls or distractions.
2. Detail Photo: A close-up showing texture, brushstrokes, or intricate details.
3. Side View: A photo of the artwork’s edge, showcasing its depth and how it might look when displayed.

Step-by-Step Guide to Photographing Your Artwork

Main Photo: The Gallery Image

• Purpose: This will appear in search results and galleries.
• Tips:
  • Capture the entire artwork, including the frame (if framed).
  • Avoid any background—crop the photo to focus solely on the artwork.
  • Shoot directly from the front to avoid distortion or skewed angles.

Detail Photo

• Purpose: Highlights the texture, technique, and finer details.
• Tips:
  • Focus on a small section of the artwork.
  • Show brushstrokes, canvas grain, or intricate elements.

Side View Photo

• Purpose: Gives customers an idea of the piece’s physical depth.
• Tips:
  • Photograph the edges or sides, especially if it’s a canvas or framed work.
  • Highlight features like a stretcher or frame thickness.

Optimal Setup for Photography

Lighting

• Choose soft, natural light—a large window on an overcast day works best.
• Avoid direct sunlight, harsh shadows, and artificial lights, which can distort colors.
• Turn off your camera’s flash to maintain true-to-life colors.

Background

• Use a clean, neutral background. For sculptures, ensure the background doesn’t distract from the artwork.

Camera Settings

• Use a low ISO (100 or 200) for sharp, high-quality images.
• If possible, use a tripod or stable surface to avoid blur.
• Point the camera straight at the center of the artwork to prevent skewing.

Orientation and Framing

• Ensure the camera is positioned properly to avoid unintended rotations.
• Leave minimal background space around the artwork for easier cropping.

Preparing Photos for Upload

Editing and Cropping

• Adjust brightness and contrast minimally to reflect accurate colors.
• Crop the main photo to display only the artwork (and frame, if included).
• Rotate any incorrectly oriented images.

File Requirements

• Dimensions: Images should be at least 1000 pixels wide, ideally no more than 2000 pixels in width or height.
• File Format: Save as JPEG with the highest quality.
• File Size: Ensure the file is under 15MB. Reduce JPEG quality if needed.

Common Reasons for Rejected Photos

To maintain a high standard, Art Carma may reject listings with:

• Extra background in the gallery photo. Crop everything unrelated to the artwork.
• Incomplete artwork views. Show the entire piece, including frames.
• Skewed or off-center photos. Always shoot square-on.
• Watermarks or distracting markings. Ensure no date stamps, borders, or watermarks are present.
• Blurry or poorly lit photos. Use proper lighting and ensure sharp focus.
• Insufficient photos. Include all three required views.
• Wrong photo orientation. Make sure all images are upright.

Next Step: Add a New Listing

Once your photos are ready, you’re set to upload your artwork and share it with the world!