Photographing paintings and other artwork

8 years 6 months ago #453301 by RobyFoto
Very quick question.  How can I take a photo of a painting while getting the brush strokes showing in the photo?  

I've not been able to do this. The photos turn out great, but you can't see the brush strokes and texture in the artwork.  


Help please.


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8 years 6 months ago #453304 by John Landolfi
If the glass is not anti-glare, it's very difficult. If it is, move right or left from the center of the painting until you get some light raking across the surface, which should bring out brushwork


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8 years 6 months ago #453322 by garyrhook
What he said.

You don't provide any detail as to your lighting set up, but in order to see detail, you must create shadows. This means the light must come from an angle. Figuring out the best angle will be the hard part.


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8 years 6 months ago #453351 by Moe
 Just to confirm you can not publish a photograph of a painting or someone else's artwork? 


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8 years 6 months ago #453359 by icepics
Museums usually have their policies on their website, in their brochures, etc. The typical policy often used to be to not allow cameras but you could sit and sketch; now many have their collections online and may allow cameras but with restrictions (an example - one near me where you can take pictures in the lobby or outdoor area, definitely not for traveling exhibits that are in a separate area with separate admission).

I think you could use it for editorial purposes such as a newspaper or magazine article, otherwise I don't think you can use someone else's artwork for retail or commercial use.

Sharon
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8 years 6 months ago #453393 by garyrhook
Okay, let's hijack the thread....

Our local art museum allows photography on most exhibits. Sometimes they restrict certain short-term displays. So it depends. Ask. Or feign ignorance. The biggest issue is usually flash photography (because curators are ignorant of actual science).

As for copyright issues, in the US: older artwork is public domain. There's no IP restriction on photography. Ownership is another issue, as is intent. Newer artwork is of course covered by active copyright. This is why there are things called property releases.


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8 years 6 months ago #453514 by Gammill
:agree:   good post Gary


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8 years 6 months ago #453592 by Scooter
Now if the original artist is deceased, can you take photo of their work and post online legally?  


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8 years 6 months ago #453598 by garyrhook

Scooter wrote: Now if the original artist is deceased, can you take photo of their work and post online legally?  


1) You're in Canada (ostensibly) The rules (may) vary slightly from country to country.

2) In the Us, copyright lasts for the life of the creator + 70 years for works created after 1977. The rules have changed over time. I found this summary with a quick search.

Dying does not put something into the public domain, nor negate IP protection.

All that to say, as a derivative work, the answer is most likely "no" aside from editorial purposes. And no, posting on Tumblr is not editorial.


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