How to Photograph 3-D Artworks

Are you an artist or art enthusiast who wants to capture amazing three-dimensional artwork? You might already know that capturing the essence of a 3D piece in a photograph can be challenging. Whether you’re trying to document your own creations or showcase someone else’s, it’s essential to capture the details and nuances that make each piece unique. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of 3D artworks and how to capture them. We’ll also explore ways to find inspiration for your photography. 

Types of 3D Artworks

Before we dive into the technical details of photography, let’s take a moment to appreciate the different types of 3D artworks that exist, ranging from sculptures to installations to mixed media. Each type of artwork has its unique characteristics and requires a different approach to capture its beauty in a photograph. 

Sculptures are perhaps the most common type of 3D artwork. The sculpture is a type of artwork that involves creating three-dimensional forms or figures by carving, modelling, casting, or constructing materials such as stone, metal, clay, wood, or plastics. They come in all shapes and sizes, from small figurines to monumental structures. The key to photographing sculptures is to capture the texture and detail of the piece.

 

Installations are another type of 3D artwork that can be challenging to photograph. Unlike sculptures, Installations are three-dimensional artworks that are specifically designed for a particular space or environment. They are usually created with the intention of transforming the viewer’s experience of the space and can incorporate a wide range of materials and media. Installations can be temporary or permanent and can range in size from small and intimate to large and expansive. To capture the essence of an installation is the main goal when it comes to photographing such kind of artwork. 

 

Mixed media artworks refer to works of art that incorporate a combination of materials and techniques, such as painting, collage, printmaking, and sculpture. These pieces can be especially challenging to photograph because they often have multiple layers and textures. 

Capturing 3D Artwork

Let’s dive into the technical considerations when it comes to capturing the essence of such artworks.

Sculptures

 

Lighting: Depending on the surface and texture of the sculpture, lighting can be crucial to capture the details and depth of the piece. Natural lighting can add a lot of interesting layers when it comes to photographing sculptures, but a lot depends on the time of the day and the location. For some cases, you may want to use a diffused artificial light source to create soft, even lighting that highlights the contours and details of the sculpture. To replicate the natural lighting of the sun, you can use directional lighting that falls on the surface of the sculpture at a specific angle, simulating parallel sun rays. It’s essential to observe how light and shadow interact with the sculpture and adjust the lighting accordingly to highlight its features. Lens choice: To capture the details of a sculpture, you may need to use a macro lens or a lens with a longer focal length around 70-200mm. When photographing a larger sculpture, you may need to use a wide-angle lens to capture the entire piece with the 24-35mm range being the optimum. Depth of field: Depending on the size and shape of the sculpture, you may want to use a wider aperture (below 5.0) to isolate the sculpture from the background or a narrower aperture to ensure the entire sculpture is in focus. Consider the angle of the light source and the background before you decide the aperture. Perspective: Experiment with different angles to capture the full form and details of the sculpture. Shooting from below can make the sculpture appear more imposing, while shooting from above can give a unique perspective on the piece. 

Installations

 

Lighting: When it comes to installations, the lighting can make or break the photograph. Consider the overall lighting of the installation space and how it may impact the mood and feel of the artwork. If necessary, use additional lighting to highlight specific aspects of the installation, such as certain colours or textures. Lens choice: The lens you choose will depend on the size and complexity of the installation. A wide-angle lens can be great for capturing the entire installation – a focal length of 10-24 mm is ideal for this purpose. A longer lens with a focal length of 70-200mm can be used to focus on specific elements and details. Depth of field: The depth of field you choose will depend on the complexity of the installation. For more intricate installations, you may want to use a narrower aperture to ensure everything is in focus. For simpler installations, a wider aperture may be used to isolate certain elements and create a sense of depth.  Composition: Consider the overall layout and arrangement of the installation and choose a composition that highlights the most important elements. This may involve getting up close to certain elements or stepping back to capture the entire installation. 

Mixed Media Works 

 

Lighting: Mixed media works often have multiple textures and materials, so it’s important to use lighting that can highlight each element. Experiment with different light angles and intensities to find the best way to showcase the artwork’s texture and detail.Lens choice: For mixed media works, a zoom lens or a lens with a focal length of around 50mm is a good choice, as it can capture a wider view of the piece while also allowing for detail shots of specific elements.Depth of Field: Use a shallow depth of field to focus on the specific elements you want to highlight, such as a particular material or texture. Alternatively, use a wider depth of field to showcase the entire piece and all its details.Composition: With mixed media works, it can be challenging to find a balanced composition that showcases all the different materials and textures. Consider experimenting with different angles and viewpoints to find a composition that highlights the most important elements of the artwork. Aperture: Experiment with different aperture settings to find the best balance between depth of field and overall sharpness. For example, a wider aperture can create a shallow depth of field to isolate certain elements, while a narrower aperture can create a sharper overall image.In all these cases, it’s recommended to use a DSLR or a mirrorless camera with a high megapixel count, and shoot in RAW format to have greater control over the final image in post-processing. Also, it is best to set the ISO to 100 to reduce noise.  Use a tripod to ensure stability and experiment with different camera settings to find the best combination for the specific artwork you are photographing.

The Edit

Once you’ve captured your images, the final step is to edit them to enhance the colours, contrast, and other aspects of the image. Use editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom to fine-tune your images. You can adjust the white balance, exposure, and saturation to make your images pop. It’s important to be careful not to over-edit, as this can result in an unnatural or unrealistic final image. Remember, the goal is to accurately represent the artwork while still creating a visually stunning image. 

Finding Inspiration 

In addition to the technical considerations, finding inspiration is also important. One great place to start is by visiting art exhibitions or galleries and observing different kinds of 3D artworks. This can give you an idea of different angles and techniques to use when photographing similar artworks. Another source of inspiration can come from experimenting with different lighting setups. Changing the angle, intensity, or colour of the light can create different moods and highlight different aspects of the artwork. Don’t be afraid to play around with the lighting and see what works best for the artwork you’re photographing. You can also look to other forms of art for inspiration, such as paintings. Pay attention to the way light and shadow are used to create depth and dimensionality. Try to recreate these effects in your photographs. Lastly, don’t forget about the power of social media. Instagram and Pinterest are great platforms to browse through different types of artworks and photography. Look for accounts or hashtags related to 3D artwork and photography to discover new and creative ideas for capturing such artworks.  Photographing 3D artwork can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By following the tips and techniques outlined here, you can capture the unique qualities of each artwork and create stunning images that showcase its beauty and intricacy. Happy shooting!