There is no excuse for using less than first-rate photographs of your artwork. When you're trying to sell your work (or especially when focusing more on building a reputation), your photographs must be as good or better than the originals. They must stand in for the work itself.

John Vias, Repetition, 2005. Photograph. © The Artist     http://www.johnvias.com

Kudos to you if you have already realized this. I am appalled by the obviously amateur photography I see on some artists' sites. To me, this says that the artist doesn't care about the work enough to show it in its best possible light. It also leads me to believe that he is not a serious artist.

If you are serious about your art career, find an excellent photographer and set up regular shooting sessions for your work. It can't be just any photographer. It must be someone who photographs art. This is especially important for three-dimensional work, jewelry, and any other work in which texture and detail are paramount. Good photographers in this area are highly specialized. If you don't know of such a photographer, contact a local arts council or artist organization and ask if they can be of help. Museums, too, would know where to find them and might even have someone on staff who freelances as a photographer of art.

As with anyone you are hiring, compare the results of more than one photographer. Ask for recommendations and study their portfolios to ensure you are satisfied with the quality of their work.

Unless you are a photographer, don't try to shoot your own work. You have other things to think about. Do your genius and let someone else do his. In order to do it right, you would have to purchase thousands of dollars worth of equipment, invest numerous hours in educating yourself, and devote lots of time to practicing and re-shooting the images that don't turn out right. Even then, you probably won't see what the professional photographer who has been doing it for years can see.

Free up your time for your artwork and hire a photographer for the best results.

Visit the Art Biz Blog for more on photographing your artwork.
 

SETTING UP YOUR ART BUSINESS Begins next Monday, April 3 Are you ready to finally get your art career organized? This class provides support and guidelines for setting up your files, systems, routines, and goals.  Details NOTICE: I recently switched my subscription service for the blog to Feedblitz. Most subscribers will only notice a difference in the look and feel of the delivery. However, if you don’t get your daily updates, you may need to resubscribe on the blog. "Self-Promotion Essentials" comes to Mobile, Alabama, on Thursday, April 6 and Jackson, Michigan, on Saturday, April 29. For contacts and more info, see the links in the tan box at ArtMarketingAction.com

THIS WEEK:  ►Goals have implied rewards ►Donating your art and time ►Know what a "Squidoo" lens is? Find out more: Art Biz Blog

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