How to Photograph Your Drawings Professionally

Drawing and Photography

In this section, we would like to talk about drawing and photography, the two types of art that we create, enjoy, and appreciate every day before we talk about techniques and ideas for better drawing photography.

Understanding the features and the nature of each type will help us create better photos for your next work.

Drawing and photography are two art forms that are often compared and contrasted due to their similarities, but also their inherent differences.

While both mediums involve capturing and representing visual information, they each have unique qualities that set them apart.

Drawing is a form of art that involves creating a two-dimensional image using various drawing tools such as pencils, charcoal, pastels, and ink. The artist uses their hand to create lines, shapes, and textures that represent the subject being drawn.

The process of drawing allows the artist to use their imagination and creativity to interpret and interpret the subject in their own unique style.

Photography, on the other hand, involves capturing a moment in time using a camera and light-sensitive materials such as film or digital sensors. Unlike drawing, which is entirely created by hand, photography creates an image through the manipulation of light and technology.

It is a more objective way of representing the world, as it captures a real-life moment as it was at the time it was taken.

Both drawing and photography have their strengths and limitations. Drawing allows the artist to create anything they can imagine, using their hand to manipulate the medium.

They have the freedom to add or subtract elements as they see fit, resulting in a highly imaginative and creative work. Photography, on the other hand, captures the world as it is at that moment, producing a more realistic and factual depiction of the subject.

Another significant difference is the amount of time it takes to create a work of art.

Drawing can take hours, days, or even months, depending on the complexity of the subject and the artist’s skill level. Photographs, on the other hand, can be captured in a fraction of a second, making them a quick and efficient way to document the world around us.

In terms of visual language, drawing tends to focus on lines, shading, and texture, while photography emphasizes lighting, composition, and color. Over time, photography has developed a language of its own, which includes a wide variety of visual techniques, such as black and white photography, architectural photography, aerial photography, and more.

There is one very important thing we can understand from this section: if you are taking photographs of drawings, you are integrating two types of art in one form. It means that you are combining two types of art into one single product.

So, your final result can have great benefits because it inherits from these two types of art.

Should You Use Mobile or DSLR Cameras for Drawing Photography?

Today, mobile phones are being improved a lot and their cameras too.

However, while the cameras on our phones have certainly improved in recent years, there are still some significant differences between them and dedicated DSLRs that are worth considering:

  • One of the biggest differences is the size of the sensor. DSLRs typically have much larger sensors than mobile cameras, which allows them to capture more light and detail. This means that DSLRs are generally better suited for shooting in low light situations or when trying to capture fine details.
  • DSLRs can have the ability to shoot in manual mode. With a DSLR, you have full control over settings such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, which allows you to fine-tune your images exactly how you want them, while it is impossible for most cellphones today.

However, despite all of these advantages, smartphones have a few key benefits of their own:

  • First, they are much more portable than a DSLR. You can take your phone with you wherever you go, and it’s small enough to fit in your pocket.
  • Additionally, smartphones are much easier to use than a DSLR. There’s no need to fiddle with complex settings or carry around extra lenses – simply point and shoot.
  • Another significant advantage of mobile cameras is the ability to instantly share your pictures with friends and family. With DSLRs, there’s often a process of transferring images to a computer or other device before sharing them.

Choosing a mobile or a DSLR camera for your photoshoot depends on your personal needs and preferences. If you value ultimate control over your images and are willing to invest in equipment that can produce the best possible results, then a DSLR may be the way to go.

If you prefer convenience, mobile phones will be your best friends.

When it comes to drawing photography, if you need high quality photos, we recommend that you should always go for DSLRs.

Background

When it comes to photography, the background can make or break a shot. The background of a photo can set the tone, create depth, and even add context to the subject.

It’s an essential element of composition that a professional photographer cannot ignore.

When it comes to taking photographs of your drawings, it is better to choose the right background for your drawings.

Later, you can see some ideas about drawing photography, and you will be able to study some great photos to know more about how they choose their backgrounds.

One way to use the right backgrounds is that you should keep them minimalistic. A plain, neutral background can help keep the focus on the subject of the photo.

If you want viewers to focus on your drawings, you can use this kind of background.

However, it is okay to use different kinds of background for drawing photography. If you are taking photos of people who are drawing, the background of your photos can be a table or the surrounding environment.

Let’s look at this example. It is very okay to use your room, your table, or your surround items as your background for your photo:

drawing photography ideas

Do You Need a Tripod for Photographing Drawings?

When it comes to photography, one of the most commonly debated topics is whether or not a tripod is necessary. So, do you need a tripod when you want to photograph drawings? The answer is “it depends.”

If you want to photograph a drawing that is being hung on the wall, you should use a tripod. The tripod will keep your camera steady and you can keep your drawing within the right composition. The below photo is a great example for you to understand:

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If your camera isn’t kept steady, you cannot create an image like this.

But if you are photographing a person drawing his or her pictures, you may not need it. You can still use your hands to keep your camera steady.

In most cases, if you’re not sure if you need a tripod, try experimenting with and without one and see which approach yields the best results for you.

Camera Settings

As a professional photographer, you know that camera settings are very important in every type of photography. Here in this section, we will review the most important elements of good camera settings. You can learn more about each feature by clicking on the links we highlighted.

  1. ISO: This is the camera’s sensitivity to light. A high ISO setting (such as 1600) is great for low-light situations, but can also introduce noise (graininess) into your image. A lower ISO (such as 100) will reduce noise, but will also require more light.
  2. Aperture: This is the size of the opening in the lens through which light enters the camera. A smaller aperture (such as f/22) will create a larger depth of field, while a larger aperture (such as f/1.8) will create a shallower depth of field.
  3. Shutter speed: This is how long the camera’s shutter stays open to allow light to hit the sensor. A fast shutter speed (such as 1/1000th of a second) is good for freezing action, while a slow shutter speed (such as 1/30th of a second) will create motion blur.
  4. White balance: This setting adjusts the color temperature of your image. Different types of light sources (such as incandescent or fluorescent) have different color temperatures, so adjusting your white balance can make your colors look more accurate.
  5. Exposure compensation: This allows you to manually adjust the exposure of your image. If you find that your images are consistently too dark or too bright, adjusting your exposure compensation can help.
  6. Focus: This sets the sharpness of your image. You can choose between manual focus (which allows you to manually adjust the focus) or autofocus (which allows your camera to automatically focus on the subject).

Here are some sample settings for drawing photography. You can study these to learn more for your next photo sessions:

1.Canon EOS 5d Mark II

EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
100.0mm · ƒ/6.7 · 1/180s · ISO 100

2.Canon EOS 5d Mark II

EF100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
100.0mm · ƒ/6.7 · 1/180s · ISO 100

3.Umi C1 Umi C1

3.5mm · ƒ/2.2 · 39998/1000000s · ISO 100

4.Canon EOS 60d
EF85mm f/1.2L II USM
85.0mm · ƒ/1.2 · 1/2500s · ISO 160

5.Canon EOS 5d Mark IIi
EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
31.0mm · ƒ/2.8 · 1/80s · ISO 1600

Remember, the camera settings you choose will depend on the type of photo you want to take. Understanding how each setting affects your image will help you make informed choices when setting up your shot.

You can use the above settings when you get started. But don’t be afraid to experiment with different settings to find what works best for you and your photography style.

Sometimes, it is okay to try new things and you can get great results surprisingly.

Lighting Techniques

When it comes to photography, lighting is a crucial element that can make or break the quality of your photographs. The right lighting can bring out the details and colors of your subject, while poor lighting can leave your images looking dull and lifeless. With that said, here are seven lighting techniques that every photographer should know:

  1. Natural Light: The most common and readily available light source is natural light. Shooting during the golden hours of dawn or dusk can result in beautiful, warm light. However, natural light can be unpredictable, and the intensity and quality of light can vary depending on the weather and location.

When it comes to every type of photography, natural light is the best. You should use it whenever you can.

Many photos with the support of natural light can look very great. If you are shooting outdoors, for example, you take photos of painters who are drawing, you can change your positions to find the best spot where you can use natural lighting.

  1. Artificial Light: Artificial light can be used to create an ambient, consistent source of light. Studio lights, flashes, and reflectors are all types of artificial light sources that can be used to control and modify the lighting.
  2. Hard Light: Hard light is characterized by the sharp, defined shadows it creates. This type of light is often used to create dramatic images, typically seen in artistic or commercial photography.
  3. Soft Light: The opposite of hard light, soft light creates gentle, diffused shadows. Soft light is often used in portrait photography to create a flattering, even light that reduces the appearance of wrinkles and blemishes.
  4. Backlighting: Backlighting is when the light source is positioned behind the subject, creating a halo-like effect around the edges of the subject. This technique is often used to emphasize the shape and silhouette of a subject.
  5. Side Lighting: Side lighting is when the light source is positioned on the side of the subject. This can create depth and texture in an image by highlighting the contours and shapes of the subject.
  6. High Key Lighting: High key lighting is when there is more light than shadows in an image, resulting in a bright, airy image. This technique is often used in fashion or beauty photography to create a clean, polished look.

If you take photos of drawings indoors, you can use artificial light to light up your images. Actually, it always depends on the situation and your photography location. If you can use window light, it is still better when you are in a room.

However, you can still create great images if you use side lighting or even backlighting. It is also up to your posing ideas and composition.

You should also study your posing and composition ideas first to visualize the final images, after that, you can have some clues to choose the right positions and proper lighting for your photos.

Finally, mastering lighting techniques is essential for any photographer looking to capture stunning photos. Whether it’s natural light, artificial light, or a combination of both, understanding how to control and manipulate light can make all the difference in the quality of your images.

Angles and Close-Up shots

One of the most important aspects of photography is choosing the right angles and close-up shots. Angles can completely change the way an image is perceived, making it look more dynamic or dramatic. Close-up shots, on the other hand, can provide added detail and depth to a subject.

When it comes to angles, there are a few different options to consider. A straight-on angle can make a subject appear flat and two-dimensional, while a low angle can make a subject appear more powerful or larger than life. A high angle can make a subject appear smaller or more vulnerable. Experimenting with different angles can help you find the perfect one for the subject you’re shooting.

Close-up shots are a great way to add interest and detail to your images. They can reveal intricate textures and details that would otherwise go unnoticed. When taking a close-up shot, be sure to focus on the subject’s most interesting features, such as their eyes, texture, or patterns. This will help you create a truly captivating image.

When you photograph your drawings, it is really great to use close-up shots. Why?

The reason is that drawings can contain so many details. And to make your drawing photography look best, you should be able to capture the tiniest features or details of the paintings.

When taking both angles and close-up shots, it’s important to consider the background and lighting in your image. With the right lighting and a simple background, you can create a stunning shot that highlights the subject’s best features.

You can combine these two techniques to create great drawing photos by choosing the right angles for your camera shots and using close-up shots to capture entire paintings.

Ultimately, the key to capturing amazing angles and close-up shots is experimentation. Try out different angles and remember to get in close to your subject. With a little practice and patience, you can create stunning images that truly capture the essence of your subject.

Editing

Editing is an essential part of any digital photographer’s workflow. Whether you shoot in RAW or JPEG, there are always adjustments to be made to enhance your images.

  1. Crop: Cropping allows you to remove unwanted distractions and focus on the main subject. It can also help improve the composition of your image.
  2. Exposure: Adjusting exposure can help correct underexposed or overexposed images. It can also help create mood or drama in your photos.
  3. Contrast: Increasing contrast can add depth and dimension to your photos. It can also help make your subject pop.
  4. Saturation: Adjusting saturation can help bring out the colors in your image. It can also help create a specific mood or style.
  5. White balance: Correcting white balance can help remove unwanted color casts and improve the overall look of your image.
  6. Shadows and highlights: Adjusting shadows and highlights can help bring out details in darker or brighter areas of an image.
  7. Sharpening: Adding a bit of sharpening can help enhance the details in your image. Be careful not to overdo it, as it can create artifacts.
  8. Noise reduction: Reducing noise can help clean up grainy images, especially in low light situations.
  9. Cloning and healing: Removing unwanted objects or blemishes can help improve the overall look of your image. The cloning and healing tools can help accomplish this.
  10. Vignetting: Adding a vignette can help draw the viewer’s eye towards the subject and create a more dramatic effect.

These are just some of the basic editing techniques that can help take your photos to the next level. Always remember that editing should be used to enhance your photos, not to completely alter them.

Again, it is up to you and the situations of your photos to make decisions on how you edit your photos. Sometimes, you only need to crop them. Or, you may want to remove some dust or any objects that you don’t like.

However, the key thing here is to experiment a lot and finally you can know what you need to do.

Avoid blurriness

Blurry photos are a common problem for many photographers. From shaky hands to moving subjects, there are several factors that can contribute to blurry images.

When it comes to drawing photography, avoiding blurriness is a must.

However, with a few simple techniques and tricks, you can avoid blurriness and capture clear and sharp photos. Here are three things to keep in mind when trying to avoid blurriness in your photos:

  1. Use a faster shutter speed: One of the primary causes of blurry images is a slow shutter speed, which can result in motion blur or camera shake. To avoid this, use a faster shutter speed that’s appropriate for your subject. For example, if you’re taking photos of a moving subject, like a running child or a moving car, use a faster shutter speed of at least 1/500th of a second or higher.
  2. Steady your camera: Camera shake is another common cause of blurry images, especially when you’re shooting in low light conditions. To avoid camera shake, try to steady your camera as much as possible by using a tripod or a stable surface to rest it on. If you don’t have a tripod, you can also try bracing your camera against a wall or other solid object to keep it steady.
  3. Focus on your subject: Another factor that can contribute to blurry images is incorrect focus. If your camera is focusing on the wrong part of your subject, your photos will come out blurry. To avoid this, use your camera’s autofocus system to focus on the most important part of your subject. You can also try manually adjusting your focus if your camera allows it.

By using these techniques, you can avoid blurriness in your photos and capture clear and sharp images.

Photographing paintings requires you to capture the beauty of the drawings. So, it is very important that you can avoid blurriness to make your work look best.

Remember to experiment with different settings and techniques until you find the ones that work best for you and your photography style. With a little practice and patience, you’ll be taking stunning drawing photos in no time!

Think about composition

As a photographer, composition is an essential aspect of your art. Simply put, composition is the way the various elements of your image are arranged within the frame. Good composition can elevate a photo from a mere snapshot to a work of art, and it’s something that every photographer should think about when taking photos.

Here are eight things you should keep in mind when thinking about composition:

  1. Rule of thirds – the rule of thirds is a basic compositional guideline that suggests dividing the frame into thirds both horizontally and vertically, and placing the subject or focal point of the image at one of the intersections.
  2. Leading lines – Leading lines are lines within an image that lead the viewer’s eye towards the subject or focal point. These can be anything from a road or a fence to the folds of a piece of clothing.
  3. Symmetry – Symmetry can be a powerful tool in composition, creating a sense of balance and order within the frame.
  4. Framing – Framing involves placing the subject within a “frame” within the image, such as a window or a doorway, which not only adds interest to the image but also focuses the viewer’s attention on the subject.
  5. Negative space – Negative space is the area of an image that’s not occupied by the subject or any other focal point. Proper use of negative space can create a sense of calm or spaciousness within the image.
  6. Depth – Creating a sense of depth within an image can help make it feel more immersive and engaging. This can be achieved through the use of foreground elements, converging lines, or other tricks of perspective.
  7. Balance – A well-balanced image will have visual weight distributed evenly throughout, with no one element overwhelming the others.
  8. Context – Finally, it’s important to consider the context within which you’re taking the photo. What story are you trying to tell, and how can you use composition to help tell that story? Thinking about the bigger picture can help you create more impactful images.

By keeping these eight things in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating more engaging, interesting, and impactful images. Remember, composition is just one part of the larger photographic puzzle, but it’s a vital part nonetheless. So the next time you’re taking photos, take a few extra seconds to consider your composition carefully – the results are sure to be worth it.

How To Create Eye-Catching Photographs Of Your Drawings – Important Steps

Drawing can be a rewarding and satisfying pastime to pursue, but capturing your art in a way that does it justice can be a challenge. That’s why it’s essential to create eye-catching photographs of your drawings, so they can be shared and enjoyed by others.

Here are twelve steps to follow when creating striking photographs of your drawings:

1.Choose the Right Lighting:

Natural sunlight or indirect light can work wonders in highlighting the texture and detail of your drawings. Avoid harsh or direct lighting that can cause glare or wash out your artwork. The best photographs are taken using natural light as opposed to artificial light like lamps or flashlights. Natural light is softer, more flattering and easier on the eye than artificial light. If your drawings are indoors, try taking them outside near a window during the day when the sun is high in the sky for best results.

2.Clean Your Artwork:

Ensure that your artwork is free from smudges, fingerprints, and dust before photographing it. It is very important because if your artwork or drawings don’t look good, your images will not look good too. A cluttered background will distract from your drawing, so make sure there are no random objects behind or around it. Clean up any messes beforehand, so there isn’t anything distracting from your work!!

3.Adjust Your Camera Settings:

Choose an appropriate ISO setting and shutter speed to balance the exposure and get crisp images without blur. You can study some sample camera settings we mentioned above to apply them to your real work.

Your drawings will include so many details, and only a good camera can capture the entire drawing.

The camera that you choose should be able to capture the details of your pencils, pens, paintbrushes, and your drawings. This will make sure that your photos look great and beautiful.

Zoom feature: This feature helps in getting close up images of your pencils so that every detail is captured perfectly in the image. If you want to capture even more details, then consider getting a camera with a zoom lens on it. You can get close-up shots without having to move closer towards your subject.

4.Use A Tripod:

A tripod can provide stability and keep your camera steady, leading to sharp, well-lit images.

5.Position Your Artwork:

Experiment with different angles and positions to find the best way to showcase your art.

You should think about your posing ideas first. You can have a collection of good photos that you like or you have a notebook of ideas you planned and after that, you can follow them to make your photos look amazing.

6.Frame Your Shot:

Framing is an important part of creating professional photographs of drawings because it helps ensure that the viewer sees only what you want him or her to see.

The frame can also help set the mood for the piece and make it more interesting from an aesthetic perspective. You should also focus on your drawing and make it the center of your photographs.

Pay close attention to the composition and framing of your shot, using lines, shapes, and negative space to create a visually appealing image.

7.Experiment With Different Backgrounds:

A neutral or contrasting background can make your artwork pop, while a textured or patterned background can add depth and interest.

8.Take Close-Ups:

Zoom in on the details of your artwork to highlight important elements and textures.

Remember what you mentioned before? You should be able to capture as many details of your painting as you can. The more, the better.

9.Play With Shadows:

Use shadows creatively to add visual drama and depth to your artwork.

10.Enhance Your Images:

Use editing tools like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom to fine-tune your images and enhance their beauty.

11.Use Props:

Experiment with props like flowers, books, or other items to add visual interest and context to your artwork.

You can use other items like pens, pencils, rulers, erasers as props for your photos. In general, it is okay to use any items that may have relations with drawing and painting.

However, you should remember this thing. You should position yourself well when shooting photos so that items or props in the background don’t distract from your subject (or vice versa).

12.Add Context

Use captions or descriptions to provide context to your artwork, such as your inspiration, the medium used, or what you hope to convey.

Following these steps will help you create a beautiful record of your drawings. With practice and the right tools, you can produce eye-catching, professional-looking images that reflect your artistic vision and skills.

Drawing Photography Ideas

Taking photos of drawings is like taking other types of photography. However, you still need some ideas or concepts first before you start taking the photos.

Here in this part, we will give you some ideas that you can learn, model, and apply in your real photography work.

After reading this article, the best thing you should do is to start taking real photoshoots and improve your photography skills constantly. We also have many ideas for photography in our blog and resources; you should check them out.

So, let’s get started!

Photographing your pencils, pens, and paintbrushes

Drawing will require you to have some pencils, color pencils, or paintbrushes. We mean that these items have a connection with drawings. So it is a very good idea to photograph them.

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In the photos above, you can arrange your color pencils in different ways to create interesting ideas for your photoshoots.

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Another great way to capture drawing photography is that you can take photos of your paintbrushes.

You can capture them while drawing a picture or capture the photos of your paintbrushes while you don’t use them.

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Although we often think about pencils and colored pencils when it comes to drawing, but today our technologies are revolutionizing, so we can see that a lot of professional artists use digital pens to create their art.

So, it is a good idea to take photographs of digital tools and devices.

You photograph a person who is drawing.

Photographing a person who is drawing his or her pictures is a great idea for drawing photography. You can have a look at some examples below:

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In the above photo, it is great if you can capture the process of an artist who is mixing her colors to paint.

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This photo has the same idea as we previously mentioned.

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It is better if you use your camera to capture the details of the drawings. If you notice, you can see that all the above photos can include the best parts of the drawings.

You can also put the drawings in the center of the frame, which can attract the attention of viewers.

Take photos of the drawings in a situation where they were just finished.

Another great idea is that you can take photographs of the drawings when the owner showcases them or it seems that they have just been finished.

Here are some examples:

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In the above photo, it is a good and creative idea to let the child hold and show her painting in front of the camera.

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Photographing a drawing class is also a very great idea for your next shoot, because it can convey the connection and relationship between painters and pictures.

This idea can also be good because it reveals real-life experience of painters, which can be good for aesthetic or lifestyle photography as well.

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In the above photo, the photographer focuses more on the details of the drawing. We can see the hand of the painter, but we can visualize how the drawing is being made.

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In the above photo, you can see that the person is cutting the picture. It is okay to capture these scenes like this. Here the drawing is still the focus of the photo.

Photograph viewers looking at some drawings.

Another great idea is that you can take photographs of people watching some drawings and paintings in a gallery or in an exhibition.

You can have a look at some examples below:

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Photograph the black paper before you start drawing something.

It is another great idea if you like white paper. You can study these examples below for more creative ideas:

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You can put your pencils near the paper to make the photos more interesting. The pencils or pens here can be very good props for your photos.

Or, if you are creative, you may try to arrange these pieces of paper in a wonderful way like this example:

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You can be creative by arranging your paintings, not blank sheets. We believe that using this idea can help you create a very good and creative image.

Photograph the whole drawings

The next idea is that you can photograph the whole drawings. You can study these below examples to learn more:

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You can take photographs of drawings that are hung on the wall in an environment or in a room.

Drawings can be used to decorate a house or a room and we all know it. You can put drawings in a beautiful room to capture them. Here are some examples:

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Photograph people with drawings as props

Another great idea is that you can use drawings as props for your photos. You can take a family photo, a furniture photo, or even a portrait.

Here is an example:

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Conclusion

We hope that this article can help you in some ways. You can learn more about ideas for your next photoshoot about drawings, and the basic techniques that can be applied to every type of photography.

Remember that to get better at photography, you should practice taking photos often. The more you practice, the better your skills will be.