Photographing Artwork - input on ideas requested

Scott Pruett · #1 04-12-2006, 11:15 AM

Hi folks,

I'm toying with some ideas to bring in a little extra income while getting my name out in the community a little more. Tell me what you think of this... whether you think it's realistic, brilliant, stupid, a waste of time, etc. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

I have some friends who are traditional/non-digital artists, yet don't rely on art for their sole means of income. I've been thinking of putting together a new website to serve as a community gallery of sorts, on which these artists would have a means of showcasing their work. Of course my underlying intent would be to promote a service of digitizing artwork for web display & potential reproduction.

I've done some art duplication work in the past for a couple random assignments, and I'm not terribly concerned about how to go about the photography part. I'd likely use 2 large softboxes 90-degrees to each side. Camera would be a 5D.

Thing is, I understand artists don't have money to burn. If I charged them a minimal amount to simply produce web-resolution images for this new website idea + gave them copies on CD, I'd think interest would be there. Taking this a little further, I could offer reprints up to whatever size (from 12-13mp), possibly find a company to create notecards, stationary, etc, & sell those *to the artist* for them to then resell for additional profit.

Thoughts? Keep in mind that the clientele I'd be pursuing would likely not be the artists with over-inflated egos thinking their work is worth $4500 for a 20x24" painting... of which the town I'm in has a handful of. Of course I wouldn't be against working with them, but I'd prefer working with the more common-folk. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Thanks in advance...
Scott

Scott Pruett · #2 04-12-2006, 01:34 PM

a couple guys over on dpreview gave a thumbs-down to the idea... can't say I'm surprised, but other feedback is welcome anyway.

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/re...ssage=18007683

Walt_Roycraft · #3 04-12-2006, 03:49 PM

I would think most artists would be very picky about how colors reproduce.
I see this as a big issue, web use with non calibrated monitors is a problem.
Getting note cards printed, also can be a problem.
I think you would have to charge enough to compensate for the "aggrevation" factor.

I don't think you should give up on the idea. Maybe talk to some of the artist's and see what their expations would be.
Communication would be essential.

Scott Pruett · #4 04-12-2006, 06:20 PM

I agree about color. I'm not terribly concerned about it being a problem on my end w/ my current lab, but that's a good point should I get into any CYMK-based printing with other companies. One of my closest friend's wife is one of the artists I've spoken with, and I can use her as a guinea pig.

I'll reply again as time goes on. I haven't given up on it, but am thinkng through details a bit more.

Thanks Walt.

MarkTDavidson · #5 04-12-2006, 10:14 PM

The definition of an artist is an extra picky person with no money.

However, I have noticed if you go in with a high end business plan and execute well, (Appropriate equipment, procedures and materials) and romance and publicize your museum quality credentials, some will pay.

Again, it requires patience. I would go slowly and develop the atelier style of work to establish a high end image. That way you can charge properly at the get go. If you start cheap, they will leave you for Office Depot if you go up a nickel.

marc_gerritsen · #6 04-13-2006, 08:11 AM

I have documented about a twenty some artists in the last 4 years.
I used a sliding scale as how to charge them, succesful artists on the expensive end and the not so succesful at the cheap end.
Usually they needed their work documented for an upcoming exhibition. They would use the photos for their invites as well as having them on their own websites. If an exhibition went well for them I would know to charge them a little more next time.
Artists can really promote their work much better with good photographs, and when they see the effect of that, they will also value your services more.

As for as color management, shoot in raw and always include a regognised color chart. Let the designer of the publication worry about how to fix the file according to the color chart. And if you want to put them on your website let the artist color proof them.

As for as lighting gear, two umbrellas are more then enough for work up to 6x 6 feet as long as you can place them about 10 feet away from the large artwork, closer for smaller. For highly reflective art work use a polarizing filter on your lights as well as your camera.
Apart from making quiet a bit of money from it I really liked to hang out whith those artist at their studio.

Your 5d camera will do fine

cheers
marc

Scott Pruett · #7 04-13-2006, 08:44 AM

[ QUOTE ]
The definition of an artist is an extra picky person with no money.

[/ QUOTE ]
I concur, and that's partially why (for starters) I'm gravitating towards a few folks who have day jobs, with a passion for art on the side.

[ QUOTE ]
However, I have noticed if you go in with a high end business plan and execute well, (Appropriate equipment, procedures and materials) and romance and publicize your museum quality credentials, some will pay.

Again, it requires patience. I would go slowly and develop the atelier style of work to establish a high end image. That way you can charge properly at the get go. If you start cheap, they will leave you for Office Depot if you go up a nickel.

[/ QUOTE ]
Those are good points, and I too figure the first impression is crucial. I'm not looking to start cheap, per se, but realistly obtainable for more than the elite crowd. I've already thought through a few angles of how I can show that there's more to it than just aiming a digicam at a painting.