Fine Art Reproduction & 2D/3D Artwork Photography
I'm Geoff Harris and I specialist in photography of original artwork for artists, galleries, museums, collectors, printers and institutions. Based central to the Cumbria, Lancashire and Yorkshire borders.
Professional Photography of Original Artwork
At 2nd Image Photography, I specialise in high-resolution photography of original artwork for reproduction, documentation, catalogues, exhibitions, websites and digital archives.I photograph both two-dimensional and three-dimensional artwork, including paintings, drawings, prints, sculpture and other art objects. My clients include artists, galleries, museums, collectors, institutions and fine-art printers. The objective is simple: to produce an accurate, detailed digital representation of your original artwork, with careful control of colour, reflections, illumination and fine detail. Whether you have a single painting, a collection of work or a large and valuable piece that needs photographing on location, I can discuss the most appropriate approach for your requirements.
Artist's Original ©Kate Bentley
Accurate Colour - Controlled Reflections - Cross Polarisation
Photographing artwork accurately requires considerably more than simply placing a camera in front of a painting. Surfaces such as varnished oils, acrylics, photographs, ceramics and polished or highly textured materials can produce strong specular reflections that interfere with the recording of the artwork's true colour and fine detail. I use cross-polarised lighting to control these reflections and enhance true colour saturation. This is a specialist photographic technique based on the optical properties of polarised light.
Light waves vibrate in many different directions. A polarising filter restricts these vibrations so that the transmitted light predominantly travels in one plane. In artwork photography, polarising filters are placed both in front of the light sources and over the camera lens, controlling reflections and improving saturation.
This is particularly valuable when photographing oil paintings, varnished surfaces and heavily textured or impasto work. Without reflection control, bright areas of reflected light can reduce apparent colour saturation, obscure brushwork and create uneven patches across the image. Cross-polarisation allows much more of the light carrying information about the artwork itself to be recorded rather than unwanted reflected light.
This is particularly valuable when photographing oil paintings, varnished surfaces and heavily textured or impasto work. Without reflection control, bright areas of reflected light can reduce apparent colour saturation, obscure brushwork and create uneven patches across the image. Cross-polarisation allows much more of the light carrying information about the artwork itself to be recorded rather than unwanted reflected light.
Original Oil from Stonyhurst Collection
The technique can help reveal subtle colour differences and surface detail that might otherwise be masked by glare. This is especially important when creating high-resolution digital masters intended for fine-art reproduction, cataloguing, publication or archival purposes. Cross-polarisation does not make an artwork look flatter or remove its character. The objective is to minimise unwanted specular reflections while preserving the visual information contained within the artwork — including colour, tonal variation, texture and fine detail.
The result is a cleaner and more controlled photographic representation of the original artwork, providing a stronger starting point for accurate digital reproduction and documentation.
The result is a cleaner and more controlled photographic representation of the original artwork, providing a stronger starting point for accurate digital reproduction and documentation.
Exceptionally Even Illumination
Accurate reproduction requires the artwork to be illuminated evenly from edge to edge. I use neutral-balanced lighting heads carefully positioned to provide extremely consistent illumination across the entire surface of the artwork.
Accurate light metering
The lighting is controlled to approximately one tenth of an f-stop across the artwork, helping to prevent hot spots, uneven exposure and variations in brightness. This is particularly important when photographing large paintings, where even small variations in illumination can become apparent in a high-resolution reproduction.
What I Photograph:
2D - Two Dimensional Artwork
• Oil paintings
• Acrylic paintings
• Watercolours
• Drawings
• Pastels
• Prints
• Illustrations
• Mixed-media artwork
• Canvas artwork
• Artwork on paper
• Acrylic paintings
• Watercolours
• Drawings
• Pastels
• Prints
• Illustrations
• Mixed-media artwork
• Canvas artwork
• Artwork on paper
3D Artwork, Sculpture & Object Photography
Three-dimensional artwork (3D) presents different photographic challenges to a flat artwork. I can photograph sculpture and other three-dimensional work to show its form, surface, texture and character. Multiple views can be produced where appropriate, providing a consistent set of images for artists, galleries, exhibitions, catalogues, websites and archives. Photography can be carried out in the studio or, where appropriate, on location.
The aim is always to record the colour, form, texture and detail of the original as accurately as possible.
• Sculpture
• Ceramics
• Pottery
• Woodwork
• Metalwork
• Glass
• Mixed-media objects
• Art objects
• Architectural models
The aim is always to record the colour, form, texture and detail of the original as accurately as possible.
• Sculpture
• Ceramics
• Pottery
• Woodwork
• Metalwork
• Glass
• Mixed-media objects
• Art objects
• Architectural models
Artwork Photography for Artists
High-resolution digital files can be produced for reproduction, websites, portfolios, exhibitions, submissions and archives. For artists producing prints or limited editions, the photographic capture can provide a high-quality digital master.
I also offer an Artist Profile Package, combining artwork photography with photographs of the artist, studio, working process and professional portraits.
Artwork Photography for Museums, Galleries & Institutions
Nativity Scene 2.5mtr Canvas
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Detail from original
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I have experience working with curators and institutions, photographing valuable artwork for documentation, cataloguing, insurance and reproduction. Projects can range from individual artworks to larger collections, with photography undertaken in the studio or on location where transporting artwork is impractical or undesirable.
Artwork Photography for Fine-Art Reproduction
If an artwork is going to be reproduced as a print, the quality of the original photographic capture is fundamental. I provide high-resolution artwork photography for artists and fine-art printers producing Giclée and other forms of reproduction.
If you are a fine-art printer or reproduction specialist who regularly receives artwork requiring professional photography, I am happy to discuss an ongoing working relationship.
If you are a fine-art printer or reproduction specialist who regularly receives artwork requiring professional photography, I am happy to discuss an ongoing working relationship.
Large Artwork & On-Location Photography
Not every artwork is practical or desirable to transport. Where appropriate, I can photograph artwork on location using portable professional equipment. This can be particularly useful for large paintings, fragile artwork, museums, galleries, private collections, corporate collections and multiple artworks at one location. I can also discuss collection and delivery of artwork within a reasonable distance where appropriate.
Why Choose 2nd Image for Artwork Photography?
• Specialist lighting — Cross-polarised lighting helps control reflections from oils, varnish and textured artwork.
• Accurate, consistent illumination — Carefully controlled lighting provides even exposure across the artwork.
• High-resolution capture — Digital files produced for reproduction, publication, cataloguing and online use.
• 2D and 3D capability — From paintings and prints to sculpture, ceramics and other three-dimensional artwork.
• Experience with valuable artwork — Working with curators, institutions and artwork handling professionals.
• Studio or location — Artwork can be photographed in the studio or, where appropriate, at your location.
• Individual works or collections — Whether you need one painting photographed or an entire collection documented.
• Accurate, consistent illumination — Carefully controlled lighting provides even exposure across the artwork.
• High-resolution capture — Digital files produced for reproduction, publication, cataloguing and online use.
• 2D and 3D capability — From paintings and prints to sculpture, ceramics and other three-dimensional artwork.
• Experience with valuable artwork — Working with curators, institutions and artwork handling professionals.
• Studio or location — Artwork can be photographed in the studio or, where appropriate, at your location.
• Individual works or collections — Whether you need one painting photographed or an entire collection documented.
Client Testimonials
©Derek Culley 2mtr Canvas 17247x7072 at 300dpi
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Warren Pickard CEO ...
" Derek, these look AMAZING, so much colour, he did a great job! " HNWGallery Fort Lauderdale |
Annette Kane Watercolour Book
"Geoff understands well the particular requirements of the painter - technically brilliant; he has always provided me with an excellent service and is both efficient and friendly to deal with." - Annette Kane
Original Watercolour of Stonyhurst by Turner
“I'd be happy to recommend these services to anyone. I find the work to be of an exacting standard and Geoff is professional to work with. I particularly appreciate the fact that he can work to tight deadlines and still produce what I'm looking for.” = Jan Graffius – Curator, Stonyhurst College
Telephone: 07785 252583
Email: [email protected]