What type of lighting should I be using for photographing paintings?
Chaval asked:
I need to use my Nikon D70s digital slr to photograph oil paintings and other works of art. I do not know much about lighting so I need some assistance and direction in finding the right type of lights and bulbs that would be appropriate for taking quality digital images of paintings.
I need to use my Nikon D70s digital slr to photograph oil paintings and other works of art. I do not know much about lighting so I need some assistance and direction in finding the right type of lights and bulbs that would be appropriate for taking quality digital images of paintings.
Thanks so much for your answers!
USE A 45ยบ ANGLE LIGHTING, NEVER USE THE FLASH ON YOUR CAMERA FOR OIL PAINTINGS OR YOU WILL GET A HOT SPOT IN THE PAINTING; ALSO REMBER TO SET YOUR CAMERA FOR THE TYPE OF LIGHT YOU WILL BE USING (FLASH OR TUNGSTEN). [who] bigonegrande
The Getty allows photography – but no flash. These are all hand-held (no tripod allowed). I did set the ISO to 3,200. It came out grainy, but these were good enough for me.
You need a good macro lens though–a true macro lens will result in flat photograph (of a flat painting).
I’d use a tripod if I were you and set the ISO to 100 so it should be very clear. Adjust the focus manually. And a cable release or the self-timer would keep the movement to minimum.
I don’t have another to show you but I took a photo of a painting for a friend–we used natural light (not direct sunlight). It came out fine. [who] Pooky
I shoot a lot of paintings for a lot of artists.
Here’s my favorite setup.
Tripod (obviously)
Cable release (or 2 sec. self-timer)
Eliminate stray light from any lamp, window, etc. that’s behind you and the camera.
Cross light the piece (45 degrees usually works, but sometimes you may need to go even more extreme – to 15 or 20 degrees) with two equally powered blue photoflood bulbs. I use both 250 and 500 watt bulbs and can usually get away with the 250s. These bulbs produce a LOT of heat. I have mine in $10 reflectors from the hardware store.
Try Auto White Balance, but with these particular bulbs you’re more likely to have success with either the Sunlight or Cloudy settings.
I shoot these with a D80 or a D100, usually with my trusty 28-105 lens.
Also, to avoid vignetting, be sure that your camera and lens are in exactly 90 degree angle from the surface of the painting. [who] Jim M