|
Answer:
I am assuming that your members will be using 35mm SLR (Single Lens
Reflex) cameras - and not point and shoot cameras.
One of the most difficult aspects of photographing artwork is to get the
camera square with the artwork. A tripod will help in placement of the camera
as well as giving the ability of using a long shutter speed. The camera
should be placed so that it is completely horizontal and vertical to the
artwork. (In other words the center of the lens should be completely
perpendicular to the center artwork.)
The economical route (less equipment to buy) is using available daylight. The
best conditions are on an overcast day, at mid day. Depending on the film
that you are using, you may need to use a warming filter (#81A), this will
take the bluish cast away. Never photograph artwork on a sunny day in the
direct sunlight.
The best lens to use is the standard 50mm lens or a short telephoto (85 -
105mm). Don't use a wide angle lens as it will distort (curve) the edges of
the artwork. The aperture should be F8 and the shutter speed will be
determined by the amount of light that is present at the time you are taking
the pictures. Just keep in mind that the exposure meters in cameras want to
make everything averaged into a mid grey tone. So if the artwork is light
then you will have to overexpose to obtain the correct exposure. Conversely,
if the artwork is darker than mid grey then you will have to underexpose from
what the meter recommends to obtain the proper exposure. If this sounds too
confusing, then I would suggest using a "Grey Card" to determine
your exposure. You hold this in the same light as your artwork, ensuring that
if fills the camera viewfinder completely, and take this meter reading and
use that shutter speed to take your pictures.
There is even a more complicated way, using studio flashes - but I think you
should stick with the simplest method.
I hope this helps, if you need further assistance, just ask!
|