High-quality photos of your artwork can make all the difference when submitting to art prizes and exhibitions. Whether you’re applying to the VAA Artist of the Year 2025, Visual Art Open 2025 or building your online portfolio – presenting your work professionally doesn’t have to mean expensive gear or studio setups.
Photographer and educator Carlo Savos shares his top smartphone photography tips to help artists capture their work beautifully, right from home.
Top Tips
1. Lighting is Key
Good lighting can elevate your artwork and reveal its details and textures. Carlo recommends natural light on a cloudy day, which gives soft, even lighting. If you’re shooting indoors, use diffused light from sheer curtains or white sheets to avoid harsh shadows.
2. Avoid Direct Sunlight
While it’s tempting to shoot in bright sunlight, this can create glare and deep shadows. If outdoors, place your artwork in the shade for more even lighting without losing detail.
3. Get the Right Angle
Position your phone directly in front of the artwork to avoid distortion. Use a tripod if you can, and set a timer to keep the shot steady. Always keep your light source slightly off-centre, not directly behind or in front of the camera.
4. Clean and Test
Before snapping, dust off your artwork, then take a few test shots. Zoom in to check for sharpness, clarity, and lighting. Make adjustments until you’re happy with the composition.
5. Edit with Care
Crop your image to frame the artwork evenly. Adjust brightness, contrast, and colour temperature to match the original piece – but go easy on the saturation! And always avoid filters. Save your final image as a JPEG for easy submission to competitions and galleries.
What You’ll Learn in the Course
Carlo’s workshop goes beyond just tips. In this hands-on course, you’ll discover:
- Lighting Techniques: How to use natural and artificial light to your advantage
- Avoiding Glare and Shadows: Master positioning your phone and light source
- Camera Setup & Testing: Get crisp, clear images using a tripod and basic settings
- Editing Simplified: Easy steps to enhance brightness, colour, and contrast while staying true to the original work
- Troubleshooting Common Issues: Learn how to fix blur, glare, colour imbalance, and more
New in This Course – Photographing 3D Artwork!
Carlo now covers sculptures, installations, and textured pieces. Learn how to capture dimension, depth, and detail using just your phone. Whether you’re capturing the intricate details of a sculpture or the texture of a mixed media piece, we’ve got you covered with tips on how to photograph dimensional work: book here to elevate your photography skills.
Why You Should Join:
- No Expensive Equipment Needed: All you need is your smartphone and a bit of natural or artificial lighting!
- Easy-to-Follow Steps: The course breaks everything down into clear, actionable steps—ideal for beginners and advanced photographers alike.
- Perfect for All Artists: Whether you’re showcasing 2D paintings or photographing 3D sculptures for exhibitions or online sales, you’ll learn how to make your artwork stand out.
“Carlo Savo’s session on photographing artwork with a smartphone was a total game-changer—clear, practical, and incredibly effective. His tips were easy to follow and made a real difference in how I capture my work. Highly recommend to any artist wanting professional results with minimal fuss!”
— Dr Suzanne Thompson
Ready to Elevate your Submissions?
This course is ideal for painters, printmakers, sculptors, and mixed media artists who want to showcase their work professionally – without the technical hassle. No expensive camera? No problem.
Two-Part Masterclass – Dates Available
Join us for a two-part masterclass to learn everything you need to photograph your artwork like a pro. Be sure to attend both sessions:
- 6th May 2025 – Part 1
- 13th May 2025 – Part 2
Both sessions run from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Together, these sessions will give you the skills and confidence to capture your artwork professionally, step by step. Book your spot now!