Need pointers on photographing artwork

gustafson

Senior Member
A friend and neighbor needed help photographing her art for documentation purposes (as her regular photographer has moved out of town).

Spoke to her on the phone for more info and learned the following: The artwork in question is 10x16" and flat (2D). She has a tripod on which to mount the camera, and wanted to use a mix of indoor studio lighting and natural daylight through the windows, and no flash.

I'd appreciate any pointers on photographing artwork, as well as guidance on specific questions below:

- Lens choices: I was thinking of taking along my 55 f/3.5 Ai Micro, 105 f/4 Ai Micro, 28 f/ 2.8 Ai-S, and 18-55 VRii to cover bases. Plan to use the D7100. Should I consider other lenses/focal lengths?

- Flash: was planning to take the SB700 and a diffuser just to cover bases. Any thoughts/tips on using flash? Am guessing tripod mounted off-axis would be a better choice than shoe-mounted?

- Distance: I'm guessing I'd try to fill the frame with the fixed FL lenses. What about the zoom?

- Color balance: Any tips on accurate color reproduction? My friend said she can adjust colors in post, but how can I help by getting it mostly correct right off the bat? I don't have grey reference cards handy to custom adjust the white balance and there's not enough time for an online order. Is there a quick hack that will get me close?

Thanks in advance!!







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