Best lighting for fine artwork photography?

[Rob 576]

HI all, any recommendations or this? I'm looking into lighting with diffusers for professional artwork photography, constant lighting not flash is preferred - as this seems easier to work with? Portable etc.. First investment in lighting, but needs to be solid. Say £3-400.. thanks!

 

[Phil V]

You don't say what kind of artworks?

1st stop, get the book, then buy some lights (and things)

 

[Rob 576]

Thanks Phil V, 2d and 3d. paintings, framed pieces, sculptures, etc. Solid general soft lighting I can attached diffusers to..

 

[Phil V]

Thanks Phil V, 2d and 3d. paintings, framed pieces, sculptures, etc. Solid general soft lighting I can attached diffusers to..

Read the book, you'll be surprised to find 'soft' isn't really what you'll be aiming for.

 

[Rob 576]

Thanks Phil. Will do. In the meantime any general pointers would be great to get me started. I have used lowel tota lights before with diffusers but just wondering how other people had got, do i want daylight bulbs for example, and are there specific light temperatures to got for. Looking for a nice balanced light, attached example.

 

[itsdavedotnet]

The book linked above goes over how to light reproduction photos for fine art in quite some detail iirc.

 

[Phil V]

Thanks Phil. Will do. In the meantime any general pointers would be great to get me started. I have used lowel tota lights before with diffusers but just wondering how other people had got, do i want daylight bulbs for example, and are there specific light temperatures to got for. Looking for a nice balanced light, attached example.

Light temperature isn't a big deal (*massive caveat), you just need to make sure your camera knows the colour temp of your light source, stick with decent flash and you'll be fine.

*some light sources don't output a full spectrum of colour.

The biggest issue wth a 2d piece is to avoid the reflection of the lights (fairly easy with 2 lights and plenty of space)

For 3d objects, it's more about showing the texture or depth, which isn't a simple prospect. The book has hundreds of pages, I couldn't do it justice in a post.

 

[Rob 576]

thanks, will have to check out.. the book.

 

[SpikeB]

Other than lighting - which TBH is normally pretty basic, perfect colour managment of the workflow is the most important thing see here
& a good insurance policy thet covers you in the unlikely event you damage something or are accused of damaging something.