I love seeing all the new, creative projects being shared online in our glass groups. You are making amazing, beautiful pieces. It’s apparent from the well thought out compositions and quality construction that our community has grown in skill and talent.
Such wonderful art can be even more impressive with a great picture.
Myth buster: you don’t need expensive photo equipment and fancy lights to get a clean, clear, impressive picture of your art.
Yes, there’s a time, and purpose for high quality professional gallery grade images like those taken in a photo cube. But not every piece of art needs that level of sophistication to show well. You can take really nice pictures with simple techniques and a little planning.
The most important element of your fine art picture is the background. It should be plain and enhance the art without distracting the eye.
Here’s how to make your own effective photo set-up.
Prior to making art for galleries, all of the pictures of my finished fused glass art were taken with very simple set up. I’d place a wooden bar-height, bar stool on my work table. I’d place the bar stool in an area filled with strong natural light Then I’d tape a long, 24 inch wide piece of white paper high up on the bar stool legs. The paper would hang down from the legs and drape across the table. The paper made a bright, seamless backdrop that showed off my glass art without unwanted distractions. I still use this fast, easy technique for quick pictures today.
Another super, simple set-up is to photograph your art on a sheet of white foam board or white poster board. The board has a reflective sheen that enhances the bright glass colors. The smooth surface brings the glass to life. I keep a clean board tucked away behind a door where it won’t get bent or dirty. Then when I need a quick picture, I pull it out and shoot away. It’s also a convenient backdrop if I want to take a picture outside. I carry the board and art into the yard and can pick a variety of filtered light sources for my photo shoot. Note: I avoid using white cotton fabric as a background. The fine woven texture absorbs the glass shine and makes the project look dull and lifeless.
Glass can be particularly difficult to photograph due to the bright colors, transparency and reflective qualities. But both of these set-ups have worked well for me. The clean white backgrounds ensure that the real colors and intricate details of my art shine bright and true.
Quick Tips for Great Images
Photograph the art on white paper, foam board or poster board.
Use natural light to illuminate the glasses true colors.
Avoid using florescent lights, they leave a yellow tint on the art glass.
Take multiple pictures from several different angles.
Avoid clutter in the background.
If you include a background, use something that enhances the art. It shouldn’t distract of confuse the viewer.
Crop the image with the camera. Get in tight. Fill the view finder with the art.
Center the art in the picture.
Take the picture at eye level for a true representation of the art.
Make sure the image of the art is level with the bottom of the photo and not at a distracting angle.
Once you have the shot. Try different creative compositions to see if something unexpected delivers a unique perspective.
You can take really nice pictures with simple techniques and a little planning. You worked hard on your newest project. Don’t stop there. It deserves a great picture to show it off!
Happy fusing!
Lisa
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New Webinar Date
Watercolor Techniques & Advanced Fusing Design with Lisa Vogt June 1, 2021
Learn how to make gorgeous, vividly decorated nature themed fused glass designs in this comprehensive webinar.
Master the art of design, pattern, and color.
Join me and I’ll show you how quickly and easily you can ramp up the visual intricacy of your work in just a few steps. I’ll share my personally developed, “watercolor style,” approach to shading and highlighting glass.
You will love the easy-to-follow instruction and seeing how to create elaborately detailed works of art with a gorgeous three-dimensional flair.
In this webinar you will learn how to use advanced artistic techniques like a pro. Beginner, intermediate and advanced fusers alike will enjoy applying the many simple, yet effective techniques I share in this in-depth, live event.
Plus, as a special bonus I include step-by-step instruction on how to use failed projects. I’ll explain in detail how to solve problems and how to ensure successful projects moving forward.
I also include my custom firing guides, project patterns and materials list in PDF form.
You will be fired up and eager to apply these new techniques to enhance the beauty and charm of your work.
My April and May classes are SOLD OUT
New Date!
Sculptural Fused Glass, 4-Day, Hands-on Workshop September 21 – 24, 2021
Register today! 4 seat available.
Register here!
Wesley Chapel, Florida, 4-Day, Hands-on, Class size is limited.
This is the turning-point workshop you’ve been waiting for.
It’s hard to describe what it’s like when I’m feeling the creative flow. Time flies. Hours pass in what I thought were minutes. My naturally distracted mind is focused on what my hands are doing, and nothing else. I get lost in my own world. When I return to reality, I feel rejuvenated and spiritually uplifted. That’s why I like sharing my studio space with others. I try to give them that experience and hope they feel the same inspiration and fulfillment I do. -Lisa
This class is for you! Any skill level can attend. Beginner, intermediate and advanced students alike will learn how to advance their glass fusing skills and expand their artistic style.
Join me and I’ll show you all the pro tips and tricks I use to make stunning 3-dimnesional art. You’ll learn how to combine advanced techniques in new ways to create extraordinary sculptural pieces of art.
You’ll leave class with several completed glass sculptures, my custom firing guides and a deeper understanding of sculptural fused glass fabrication. You’ll have the knowledge, confidence, and inspiration you’ve been craving to take your artwork to the next level.
Materials are included, that’s a $150.00 value!
Here’s what students from my February 2021 class are saying about the workshop.
“I feel I got the movement toward developing my own creativity this week. I was surprised that the things I already knew fit into the new knowledge I was getting in this class. Lisa is an excellent teacher who is tuned into what is going on in the class. She puts no pressure on the students when I know she could when we were dragging our feet. I was absolutely comfortable with the classroom set up and cleanliness of the studio. Will see you again soon.” -Judy
Here’s what the students from my November 2020 class are saying about the workshop.
“There is a wealth of material, tools and possible projects. Lisa is very motivating, informative, and supportive. The variety of materials is amazing. The number of projects we made in 4 days is beyond what I expected. The classroom set up was very well organized. I felt completely comfortable and safe with plenty of space and sanitizer. This class was beyond my expectations.” -Jane
“My favorite thing was Lisa’s knowledge and wealth of information. I was surprised by how many projects we made. I was very comfortable with the classroom set up and loved everything about this class. I learned so much and it was fun. My least favorite part was Friday at 4:00 pm.” -Liz
“My favorite thing about this class was the variety of glass and other materials. Unlimited dichroic! I was comfortable with the classroom set up; Lisa had lots of little personal touches that made it special. Thanks for the wonderful lunches!” -Gail
Student comments from previous classes.
“My favorite part about the class was the non-stop building and the generous amount of materials available. What surprised me about the class was how full the schedule was. Usually, you do 1 project. We did 5 in 4 days. Thank you so much for your generosity.” -Christine
“My favorite part about the class was the variety of projects we made. What surprised me was the number of projects we completed. Awesome experience – will come again in the future.” -Monica
“Instruction was clear, help was always available, and Lisa’s explanation of the equipment was great.” -Sherry
“My favorite thing about the class was the friendly atmosphere that encouraged open thoughts and sharing ideas.” -Lyn
“I enjoyed making all the projects, especially the flow piece and the freedom to be creative with our work.” -Joy
“My favorite thing about the class was the ability to see multiple pieces of art that originated from concepts taught.” -Vicki
“Lisa is very professional, knowledgeable and freakishly talented. House, art, mosaic, her work – really fun and beautiful.” -Lorna
“Incredible class. Lisa shared her artistic knowledge of color flow and her technical knowledge of glass.” -Larry
“I had so much fun! Lisa is a great teacher!” -Brenda
Artwear Designed for Artists by Artists Tell them how you really feel with bold T-shirts, Eco-conscience tote bags and sassy mugs.
Watch it NOW! Start fusing today!
Downloadable instructional videos for every skill level.
Check out my eBooks for elegant patterns and detailed fusing instructions.
