Friday, March 20, 2009

Can you help me this weekend?

I need to figure out a way to photograph my new custom canvases. Below you will see photos of the making of one of the newest. Each is on a custom canvas that is very deep on the sides- 2 1/2 inches. They should be photographed in natural light b/c some, like this one have touches of oil paint mixed in with the acrylic. I have thought about this for months and have not come up with any ideas because as new ones are added, I need to be able to return to the same spot to photograph more. I need some input and ideas. please help!
This one took quite some time, hope you like it. It's large, 36x24 and on a custom made canvas. The violet is oil and the rest is acrylic. I have three shows scheduled to show them off which I'll be telling you about really shortly, but first- need to have some quick photos taken. Any ideas?

14 comments:

Cindy said...

it is beautiful, dallas! i think the photos look great, but i know what you're saying. i like to try and get a surface angle so it might be worth a try to put it on a flat surface and take a photo. not sure i can describe it, so see this image

http://www.flickr.com/photos/71443419@N00/3182477339/in/set-72157612003077800/

you kind of get an idea of the textures in the paint. hope that helps. have a good weekend!

Dallas Shaw said...

Yes, Just to clarify, these are only photographs for the blog. wondering where and how to take the photos for the website. Cindy- I need to take them from the side like you suggest to show how deep the canvases are. Any suggestions on location?

Mrs.French said...

First of all...I want this piece...it's gorgeous! I really want it...ok now for photographing...
I think you need to really emphasize the vastness...I agree with Cindy...at an angle would really do that. A room with natural light...silly, but maybe on a wood floor or on a white sheet...that's what I would do. I have to say the photographs you have here are pretty cool...especially the last one....xo t

AphroChic said...

I love this piece. Happy belated birthday!

Cindy said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Fabianna (H.Finn Jewelry) said...

im sorry im no photo whiz, so no suggestions, but these are just STUNNING. i love them.

LiPeony said...

O can't help you there but they look gorgeous! Hmm I see in your avatar u have a huge window maybe prop it up next to there and take a picture from the left side that shows the thick canvas but also the piece. Also it sorta looks to me in my mind like she's peeking over her shoulder to look at you as she turns from the window. Er that probably made little sense ^-^;;

Cindy said...

i always take my photos near the same window on a small table with a tripod. sometimes, i stand on a step stool, too. usually at about the same time of day and when it's not raining. it's hard to control natural light, though.

for this canvas, i would want to really get in her face with the lense to see the detail. for others, i would pull back, but still give a sense that the viewer is examining the painting in a gallery. you know when people step in close to see?

hope that helps. it's hard to describe.

die tägliche revolution said...

these are incredible! i wish i could help you with the photographs.
but let me say- i'm so glad you commented on my site so that i could find yours!! i'll be linking to you now.

thanks for stopping by!

Kara

Dorcas said...

Hey dallas its been a long time sence i have seen your web site...i dont know if u remember me from denn jhon middle school for which u were my teacher... ur paintings have gotton better and im glad u have a good carrer going towards u...i would love 2 chat and show u what i have done...contact me at my email
dorcasnegron@yahoo.com

Lali said...

I know it's really hard to take shots like that but still you did a great job and I really liked your work.I have trouble geting shots of little objects, bijoux, mostly cause I'm never able to show the texture because of the lightning.
As I said I love your work, I love turning every painted idea in to a textile and ur canvas just ade imagine them applied in to a beautiful gamrnet just like Prada spring 08. You should try it =)
Thx for linking me to ur blog! I'll be def visiting u

Unknown said...

you already have such a wealth of help but I agree with all these ladies; an angle shot will not only reveal the dimension of your piece but add an artistic touch to it. I often like a zoomed out negative space photograph of my work. I can't wait to see what you come up with!!

Joyce said...

This piece is beautiful!! I think it looks great. Cindy and Mrs. French has wonderful ideas. I'm still new to photography, but I adore your work!

Aline said...

I wish that I could be of service, but can't wait to see what you do!