If you’re an artist looking to showcase your work online, great photos are a must! Whether you’re sharing on social media or creating listings for your online shop, high-quality images can make all the difference in how your artwork is perceived—and purchased. Let’s dive into some helpful tips to make your art stand out.
Lighting is Everything
Good lighting is the secret to taking stunning, eye-catching photos. Natural light is your best friend here—it’s free, soft, and doesn’t mess with your colors the way artificial lighting can. Try photographing near a window during the daytime, but avoid direct sunlight, which can create harsh shadows.
Here’s a trick: if the window light is too harsh, hang up a thin white curtain or use a piece of parchment paper to diffuse it. This will give you a soft glow that brings out the true colors of your art while taking advantage of natural light.
If you work at night or in a space without good natural lighting, don’t worry! Invest in some daylight-balanced, adjustable lightbulbs and place them evenly on both sides of your artwork to minimize shadows. Pro tip: take a quick test shot, check how the lighting looks, and make any necessary adjustments before diving into a full photoshoot.
Share Your Process
People love seeing the story behind the art! Share photos of your work in progress—it’s an easy way to draw people in and show the love and effort you pour into each piece.
For example, you can take pictures of your initial sketches, paint palettes, or even candid shots of you adding the final touches. Including yourself in these images makes it even more personal. Buyers want to connect with the artist behind the work, and showing your face helps establish that connection.
Imagine this: You’re scrolling through Instagram and see an artist sitting in her studio delicately adding the final brush strokes to a new painting. It’s instantly more engaging than just seeing the painting alone. That’s the power of process pics!
Choose the Perfect Background
A clean, simple background helps your artwork shine without distractions. A white wall, plain table, or even a large sheet of white or neutral-colored paper works great.
For social media, you can get creative. Place your artwork on a wooden desk with a few brushes nearby, or lean it against a wall with a plant in the corner. Props can add personality, but make sure they don’t overpower the star of the show—your art.
If you’re selling your work, consider showing it in real-life settings. For instance, photograph a framed print hanging in a cozy living room or resting on a gallery-style shelf. This helps buyers picture your piece in their own space, which can make them more likely to purchase. Mockups are a lifesaver here—they allow you to showcase your art in beautifully-styled spaces without needing to stage it all yourself. Smart mockups can be found online - Creative Market or Canva are great places to start!
Positioning and Angles Matter
The way you position your artwork in photos can make or break how it looks. Always keep your camera parallel to your artwork to avoid distortion (again - you can get creative for social media photos, but keep it accurate for online listings). Using a tripod or phone stand can help keep everything steady and aligned.
Take multiple shots from slightly different angles. A straight-on shot might work best for one piece, while another might shine with a slight tilt or close-up. Experiment and see what works best for your art!
Show Off the Details
Your art is unique, and those special touches deserve to be highlighted. Take close-up shots that capture textures, brushstrokes, or intricate linework. This not only looks professional but also gives buyers a better sense of what they’re purchasing.
For example, if your painting has shimmering metallic accents, get a close-up in natural light to capture that glow. These detail shots are also perfect for sharing on social media to entice your audience to click through and see more.
Editing for the Final Touch
Editing your photos doesn’t mean altering your artwork—it’s about making sure the photo accurately represents it. Adjust brightness, contrast, and white balance to match the real-life colors. Apps like Adobe Lightroom or even free tools like Canva can be a game-changer.
Remember to crop out distractions and keep the focus on your art. If you’re sharing on social media, consider using presets or filters that maintain a cohesive look across all your photos. Consistency helps establish your brand.
Take It Offline, Too
Connecting with collectors in person is just as important as online engagement. Attend art markets or craft fairs to meet buyers face-to-face. Connect with other artists, galleries, art organizations, and professionals in your field. Collaborations, joint exhibitions, and cross-promotions can help expand your reach, attract new buyers, and build a supportive community of like-minded creatives.
Protect Your Artwork
When sharing online, consider watermarking your images or uploading low-resolution versions to protect your work from unauthorized use. If you sell prints, let your followers know that purchasing supports your art directly—and that your prints are always high-quality!
Great photos not only showcase your art but also tell a story, whether it’s about your creative process, your passion, or the space you envision your work in. With these tips, you’ll create images that captivate buyers, build your brand, and bring your artwork the attention it deserves.
Want more tips for growing your art business? Explore our blog for more insights and practical advice!