Since I moved my studio to Bentwaters, Suffolk, over four years ago, the artistic pulse of the area has shaped my work. Among the local talents, the gifted artist Stephen Watkins has been a constant collaborator. We have worked together photographing his paintings for his website, social media and the reproductions in his online shop.
Stephen recently announced the opening of his new gallery in Woodbridge, The W Gallery, which will show his own work alongside that of other artists.
Why Painters Like Stephen Need Their Artwork Professionally Photographed
Working with Stephen got me thinking about why professional photography matters for painters. A few thoughts:
- Quality and Accuracy: high resolution and accurate colour reproduction keep the digital image true to the original. The textures and colours that amateur photography can lose stay vivid and lifelike.
- Marketing and Sales: for digital galleries and online sales, a strong image draws viewers and often leads to a sale, whether on a website, in a catalogue or on social media.
- Portfolio Development: a polished portfolio of professional photographs shows an artist’s skill and dedication, often the deciding factor for exhibitions, grants or academic positions.
- Reproduction and Licensing: for reproductions or licensing, professional photographs meet the standards publishers and licensors set.
- Archiving and Documentation: paintings are fragile and can degrade over time. Professional photographs provide a lasting record for historians, critics and researchers.
Accurate Colour Reproduction
In my work with Stephen, and with every artist I photograph, accurate colour reproduction is the priority. Lighting, angle and exposure can all change the way colours appear in the final image.
At Foyers Photography, my job is to mirror the original colours. That means careful attention to lighting, setup and post-production, so the colours are not merely close but true to the original. This is a specialist part of my commercial photography work.
Working with Stephen Watkins and the wider artistic community in Bentwaters, Suffolk, has been good for my own work, a reminder of how closely the brush and the lens sit together.
If you are an artist looking for professional photography of your artwork, book your session here. I am here to help bring your work to a wider audience.
For the love of art,
Bob Foyers