School of Visual Arts

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• Interdisciplinary Digital Studio Program (IDS)
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ARTWORK DOCUMENTATION

The following suggestions relate to using a 35mm camera but can be applied to using a digital camera as well.

CAMERA
- Manually set F-stop and shutter speed.

- F-stop affects depth of field (large number=small aperture=more focus).

- Keep shutter speed between 1/60th an 1/8th of a second.

- Always use a tripod and remote shutter release or a timer (no movement is required for sharp, crisp slides).

FILM
- Match with what type of lighting you are using.

- Recommend 64T KODAK or FUGI for use with Tungsten studio lighting.

- Lower film speed (ISO) = better image quality.

LIGHTING
- Match type of light with film.

- Recommend Tungsten photoflood lights (have at least 2 light sources).

- Try to diffuse light to soften shadows and reduce glare, placed and angled to be balanced and evenly illuminate piece.

- Side lighting picks up texture, front lighting flattens.

SETUP

- Use a neutral background that does not distract from artwork.

- Decide best documenting and complimentary views of piece.

- Adjust lighting as necessary.

- Set camera and tripod in place for best proportion of image in frame.

SHOOTING
- Make a final check of all the details of your set-up (good proportion, no dirt, good lighting and object is aligned).

- Set F-stop and shutter speed according to the light meter (try to use a gray card).

- "Bracket" your shots (shoot with F-stop above and below metered reading).

- Shoot serveral views (different angles and details).

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- Bomback, Edward. "Manual Of Photographic Lighting"

- Collins, Sheldan. "How to Photograph Works of Art"

- Lewton-Brain, Charles. "Small Scale Photography"