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Crazywoman53
Posts:36
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| 03/25/2008 11:59 AM |
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| I have experiencing the problem of inaccuate color representation when photographing pastels, in particular the reds and some of the blues appear as a different color of blue or the red is more intense. Is there a way to correct this so that images submitted for judging in artshows are accurate to the original? |
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1Painter42
Posts:156
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| 03/31/2008 9:34 PM |
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It is extremely difficult to photograph artwork, since the camera cannot "see" and record as many color ranges as our eyes see. I've noticed the reds and blues are the worst. The camera pushes the color to some bizarre extreme. I open them in Adobe Photoshop and color correct them there.
Justine |
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Justine
www.remingtoncreations.com |
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Crazywoman53
Posts:36
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| 04/01/2008 8:58 AM |
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| Thanks Justine.. at least I know I am not the only one having this problem. I am going to keep pecking away at it in hopes of finding the better solution. It is the reds and blues that I am having problems with too.. or at least the worst problems. |
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Rick Givens
Posts:29
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| 04/06/2008 10:51 PM |
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Getting accurate color using a digital camera is certainly possible, but you have to master a few concepts. Probably the most essential setting to getting accurate color is white balance. This setting allows a camera to adjust for the difference in color temperature in differing light sources. If you put your painting in light that's predominantly from tungsten light bulbs, it reflects ssignficantly different colored light than it would in natural daylight or under fluroescent lights. Your camera should have a setting with pre-set white balances for each of these conditions and you should use them instead of leaving it in the automatic white balance setting. Better yet, if your camera allows you to capture a custom white balance after taking a picture of a white or gray card, do that for the most accurate color.
In general, I would offer the following suggestions for settings to get the most accurate color and best image capture:
Flash: Off. Unless you're experienced using photo lighting for art capture, your best bet is to shoot outdoors on an overcast day or in a shaded area.
File type: In order of preference, use RAW, TIFF, or highest quality JPEG. The more processing done in the camera, typically the less accurate your colors will be. RAW, as the name suggests, is a record of the image's native data without in-camera processing. Use this setting if your camera provides this option. You will have to use software to edit and save the image, but you control the color processing. JPEGs have the most in-camera processing and colors are compressed to save file space.
ISO: This setting controls the light sensitivity of your camera. Set the control at about 100 to minimize digital noise.
Aperture: Most lenses are sharpest at about one to two f-stops below their widest aperture setting. If your camera allows you to set aperture manually, do so. If not, the "Portrait" setting usually works well.
Exposure: Meter a gray card (available at camera shops) and set shutter speed accordingly, or bracket in 1/2 stop increments.
White Balance: If your camera allows you to set a custom white balance, follow the procedures in your manual to do so. If not, then use the preset that is closest to the light conditions in which you are working. For open shade, the cloudy sky setting usually works well.
ISO, aperture, exposure, and white balance all have interrelated effects, so it's important to set them in the order listed. If you plan to do adjusting of colors with your image editing program, be aware of the importance of calibrating your monitor for color accuracy. Software and hardware products are available for around $100 that will get you on track. Finally, if the purpose is for putting your images on the web, remember that most people who look at your website won't have a calibrated monitor. What they see may vary considerably even with the most color-accurate of digital images.
Make sure to use a tripod to avoid camera shake. To get square to the painting, have an assistant hold a mirror on the surface where you'll be placing your painting while shooting. Adjust the tripod until you can see the reflection of the camera's lens centered in the viewfinder or on the camera's display screen.
See. It's easy. 
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Crazywoman53
Posts:36
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| 04/14/2008 12:52 PM |
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| Rick.. thank you for all this information. I do have a camera with the manual overides you discuss here but obviously I need to learn a lot more about it. I have printed this out as I will never remember all that you have included here when the camera is in hand and the painting securely mounted outside on the covered porch where I usuallly photograph in indirect light. I can see myself now hand on hip scratching my head thinking what was it he said? lol.. Anyway.. I really appreciate your photo 101 info.. Thanks! Christine |
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