Photo to Canvas

What a great way to spend my day!

Talented young girl is Olivia E.H. Good job!

People ask me about the gear I use to photograph art so let’s talk about that! Today is my camera!

I used Sonys for years but last December I upgraded to a Hasselblad and I couldn’t be happier! I have one lens for this camera, a 75mm (medium format) and thats all I need! Fitted with my Hoya Filter USA Linear Polarizer of course!

Next up, the software!

Photographing art in a way that eliminates almost all reflections is a very helpful practice. And here is how I do it! I use a linear polarizer (not a standard circular polarizer) and polarizing gels on my strobes. I even designed and 3d printed these handy slip on mounts for the gels! The dual polarization kicks them reflections right outta dodge which means I can shoot through glass, and most importantly artists can apply glossy varnish if they desire before photography.

Years ago I would request that artists bring me their pieces pre varnish to avoid reflections. But the problem is their varnish drastically affects the saturation of their colors so I find its way more accurate to shoot this way after they varnish!

Somebody has crazy eyes!!

Let’s talk about additive color theory!!

Columbia Gorge Artists and Photographers!!

If you need your art digitized, or are interested in Fine Art or Photo Prints on paper or canvas I have GREAT NEWS!! I know have a satellite shop in downtown Hood River and am coming out twice a month to shoot work and deliver prints! Book some time through the link in my bio or checkout prices and testimonials on my website! I hope to work with you soon!

Printing and Light

Just a quick taste of color theory here…

Subtractive color theory is what we use when printing, painting, etc. It starts with white paper and as we add pigment or paint, those colors absorb light and subtract from the wavelength that returns to our eyeballs creating the colors we see!

Check it out! Fun stuff!

Should I get my art scanned? Why I say no! Get it photographed if you can!

Photographing art gives me much more control over the lighting and the ability to handle icky reflections caused by glossy sheens. This is especially necessary if the sheen isnt totally even throughout the piece. Many artists prefer to varnish their pieces pre digitization as the varnish can drastically affect the vibrance and saturation of the colors. If they choose a glossier varnish, this can cause issues when scanning.

Art by Leela Dunn | Portland Artist / Painter

#1
Cardstock in an inkjet printer is a big fat NO NO.
Inkjet printers need inkjet coated media. That’s why it’s so much more expensive!

Thanks for tagging along!

Reason your colors are off #2!

CMYK is not for fine art printing. Honestly I’m getting tired of saying this but it seems like everyday someone reaches out because their art printing person is asking for CMYK pdf files 🤪

#3 Media!

If you are printing to matte paper and your software and printer think you are printing to satin canvas things will be off! Not insanely, but yeah off. So dont do that! Get it right!

Number two is next! What will it be oh my?!