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 nice pictures with simple techniques and a little planning.
The most important elements of your fine art picture are the lighting and 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 the pictures of my finished fused glass art were taken with a 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 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 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!
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Happy Fusing!
Lisa
Upcoming Class!
Advanced Glass Fusing Class
4-Day, Hands-on Class, Wesley Chapel, FL
May 28-31, 2024
YOU can make gallery quality fused glass art! You’ll love the personalized instruction in this exciting advanced technique, artistic awakening and skill building workshop. This is the turning point experience you’ve been waiting for.
Someday is here! What are you waiting for? You’re in your prime. You’re at the peak of your interest in glass fusing. Take the next step and raise your artwork to an exciting new level of sophistication.
Join me for this intense workshop held in my private studio.
Wesley Chapel, Florida, 4-Day, Hands-on, Class size is limited.
In this class, you will push the boundaries art glass imposes. Students will explore innovative approaches to design and combine multiple advanced techniques to construct original art that reflects their own personal style. You’ll enjoy: the one-on-one instruction, making multifaceted projects, the well-equipped classroom, and the intimate class size.
You’ll love the concentrated, in-depth study and creative momentum you’ll gain while actively producing, nonstop for four consecutive days. You’ll leave class with a working knowledge of kiln operation, custom project specific firing guides, and the inspiration you’ve been craving to go bigger and do more elaborate works of fused glass art!
Join me and take your glass fusing to the next level!
Knowledge – Confidence - Inspiration
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