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Peter Smith

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Posted
I have just posted a picture of a waterfall in the gallery; it's quite impressionist in style and I'm not at all happy with the photo compared with looking at the painting, the photo looks very flat. I always photograph my pictures in daylight and I've tried indoors and out, vertical and laying flat but I never get an image I'm really happy with. Am I just being too fussy or is there a technique I'm missing? I use my phone to take the picture which is easier to use than a camera. I'd be very grateful for any tips people can pass on; if a picture sells or is given away the photo will be all that I have so I want them to be as good as possible. Peter

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by Peter Smith

Sylvia Evans

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I use my iPad Peter so not unlike a phone.  Like you I do inside,outside...et al.   I h E quite a strong white light dest lamp I use for working at night ( daffy eyes )  ,I have found that gives good clarity if the daylight is dull.  

Alan Bickley

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You need to be outside, well away from sunshine and cast shadows… a dull day is best, but not overcast! Place you painting on the ground and photograph it from above. I agree that your painting does look a little flat! But I think that’s down to your original painting rather than any camera issue. Basically you’ve only got three tones including the light colour of the water. This water needs varying in colour as it progresses downhill, it’s all the same tone/colour. Mix up some rich dark greens for the areas in shadow, you only have small sections in shadow, increase them and make them dense. Finally, mix up a really light green and pick out a few highlights on those large areas of grasses!
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Peter Smith

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Thanks - I haven't got an iPad but I'll try the technique although I've already been through every variation I can think of.  I'm not touching the picture Alan, I'm sorry but looking at the actual thing I like it as it is. What I will do is paint another that is similar and try what you suggest on that. Peter

Alan Bickley

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No problem Peter, just some possibilities for next time perhaps! I’m using a Nikon DSLR because I’m usually after hi-res images for my features in The Artist magazine. But an iPhone is fine for general work.

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