Whether you’re an artist preparing your first exhibition or an experienced creative needing high-quality images for print and online use, here are answers to some common questions about my Artwork Photography service.
What resolution do you photograph at?
I shoot at 61 megapixels as standard, providing incredibly detailed images that capture the finest textures and brushwork in your artwork. Optionally, I can produce images up to 150 megapixels using ‘pixel shift’ mode in camera when required.
How do you ensure accurate colours?
Colour accuracy is critical for reproducing artwork faithfully. I use:
- Calibrated lighting — carefully positioned and metered studio lighting to ensure even illumination across the artwork.
- SpyderCheckr 24 colour calibration system — a 24 swatch calibration card photographed under the same lighting conditions used with professional calibration software to produce consistent and accurate colours in post-processing.
- Tone grading — blacks, greys, and whites are adjusted to calibrated values (typically 5%, 50%, and 95%) to ensure faithful contrast and tone reproduction.
How are the images delivered?
Each artwork is cropped to finished size (unless you specify otherwise). You’ll receive a set of files in convenient formats:
- High-resolution JPEG
- High-resolution TIFF
- DNG (uncropped raw file)
- Web-ready JPEG (ideal for social media and websites)
- Custom sizes and formats available upon request
Can you photograph artwork with glass or varnish?
Where possible, please avoid glass and glossy varnish, as these introduce reflections that can compromise the final image, leading to additional corrective work. The ideal is unvarnished or matt-varnished artwork. If this isn’t possible, we can discuss options to work around it.
Do you offer blemish repair or retouching services?
Yes — while my standard service includes accurate and colour-calibrated captures of your artwork, I also offer optional blemish repair and retouching for an additional fee. This can include careful removal of dust spots, minor surface marks, and other blemishes that are not part of the original artwork but may show up in high-resolution images.
This service is ideal if your piece has gathered a little wear during storage or transport but you still want clean, print-ready images. All retouching is carried out with a light touch and full respect for the integrity of the original work — I’ll never remove or alter any part of the artwork itself unless we’ve discussed it in advance.
Let me know your needs and I’ll be happy to quote for this additional service.
Can you photograph 3D artworks?
Yes. I regularly photograph sculptures and other 3D works. Small and medium-sized pieces can usually be shot in my studio. For large or fixed pieces, I can travel to photograph them in situ — an additional fee may apply depending on location and setup required.
How long does it take to get the final images?
Typically, I return finished images within 7 days. For larger volumes of work, turnaround may be slightly longer. If you’re working to a deadline, just let me know — I’m happy to discuss and accommodate your schedule wherever possible.
How are the finished images delivered?
I deliver all finished images via Dropbox, once full payment has been received. You don’t need a Dropbox account or subscription to access your files — I’ll include a helpful PDF guide to show you exactly how to download your images with ease.
Your files will be neatly organised into folders based on format and size (e.g. high-res JPEGs, TIFFs, DNGs, and web-ready versions for social media or websites), so you can quickly find the versions best suited to your needs.
If you ever need help accessing or using your files, I’m always happy to assist.
Alternative delivery methods such as Google Drive or WeTransfer can be arranged upon request.
Who owns the images, and what can I use them for?
As the photographer, I retain copyright of the digital photographs, while you, the artist, retain copyright of the original artwork — including how it appears in any photo. That said, when you hire me to photograph your work, you are granted full permission to use the resulting images for anything related to promoting or selling your art. This includes your website, social media, online shops, exhibitions, printed materials, and more.
You’re free to use the images however you need — no extra fees, no watermarks, and no restrictions on file size or resolution. I may also use a selection of the images for my own promotional purposes (such as my website or social media), but I’ll always be respectful and happy to discuss any concerns or specific requests you may have.
If you ever need extended or specialised licensing — for example, if a publisher or gallery wants to use the photos independently or requests a specific licensing arrangement — I’m happy to help arrange that too.
How long are my images available to download?
I keep your finished images stored securely in Dropbox (or alternative) for at least 6 months after delivery — often longer, but this is the minimum guaranteed retention period. During this 6 month period, your files will remain available in Dropbox, and if using WeTransfer or other direct delivery systems, I am happy to re-send your files to you free of charge if needed.
After 6 months, I may begin archiving or deleting older files to manage storage space. If re-delivery is required beyond this period, a small administrative fee may apply — and while I’ll always try to help, I can’t guarantee that the files will still be available.
To avoid any issues, I strongly recommend downloading and backing up your files promptly after receiving them.
Do you keep a backup of my original images?
Yes — I store all of the files, including outputs, working files and original, unedited RAW files locally for a minimum of 12 months after the shoot. This internal archive helps me provide future services such as re-editing, creating higher-resolution outputs, or assisting with lost files — if requested within that period.
Please note: Beyond 12 months, I may begin clearing older files to manage long-term storage, and re-accessing archived materials may not be possible. For peace of mind, I recommend downloading and backing up your delivered files promptly.
If you’re concerned about long-term storage or might need additional edits or formats in the future, feel free to discuss extended archiving options with me.
Can I get my images on a USB stick or DVD for backup or long-term storage?
Yes — if you’d prefer a physical copy of your images, I can provide your files on a USB stick, hard drive, SSD, or DVDR as an optional add-on. This is ideal for long-term backup or offline access. Physical copies can also serve as a personal archive, be passed on to clients, galleries, or institutions, or even given as a gift to someone special.
Pricing varies depending on the number of files and the storage format required, but I’ll always confirm the cost with you before proceeding. If you’d like additional copies for safekeeping or to share with others, that can also be arranged.
Delivery times may vary slightly depending on device availability and your preferred delivery or collection method.
Can you arrange prints of my artwork photos?
Yes — while I don’t offer in-house printing, I’m happy to help you source high-quality prints suited to your needs. Whether you’re looking for fine art giclée prints, canvas, or other specialist formats, I can recommend trusted print providers and even handle the order process for you if preferred.
This add-on service includes a small handling fee to cover the time spent arranging and managing the order, and I’ll always confirm pricing with you beforehand. It’s a convenient way to get beautifully printed results without the hassle of researching or liaising with print companies yourself.
Still have questions?
I hope this page has answered your questions. If there’s anything else you’d like to know, feel free to contact me — I’m always happy to help.
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