Source: https://restorebunny.com/guides/photograph-artwork-for-sale/ # Photograph Artwork for Sale: Geometry, Colour and Condition Views Prepare a faithful photo set for a painting or framed work. Check parallel alignment, reflections, texture, dimensions and the boundary of the actual sale. Photo preparation3 min readUpdated 03 October 2026 Quick answer ## The short version Make a square-on whole-work view, then separate texture, edge, frame, reverse and condition photographs as appropriate. Use even lighting and compare the saved colour with the work. Do not retouch real damage or let a decorative mockup obscure what the buyer receives. ## Define what is being sold before composing the hero image A painting, a framed painting and a reproduction print have different boundaries. Record the artwork dimensions and whether the frame or accessories are included. A wall-room mockup can suggest scale inaccurately if it is not based on real dimensions. Use a factual full-work view and measurement information as the reference. The City of Rockingham's artwork photography sheet discusses centred camera position, light, reflections and avoiding intense filters. Use a controlled setup rather than a vivid filter preset. The goal is a credible representation of this work, including the texture and condition a buyer will encounter. ## Make the main documentation view 1. Support or hang the work securely in a suitable space. Do not remove adhered glazing or dismantle a fragile frame simply to improve reflections. 2. Position the camera around the work's centre and parallel to the surface. Check rectangular edges for keystoning and leave a little space around the full outline. 3. Use even light. Move the lighting or setup to reduce reflections while keeping the camera square to the work; inspect dark areas for reflected windows and yourself. 4. Stabilise the camera, focus and capture a test. Open the saved file and check all corners as well as the centre. 5. Compare colour and tone with the physical work in consistent light. Make restrained corrections on a copy and preserve the unedited capture. ## Worked example: a 40×50 cm painting with a frame Suppose the painted work is 40×50 cm and the outer frame is 48×58 cm. Record both dimensions and state whether the frame is included. The main square-on view should show the selected sale boundary. Add a texture detail and a frame-corner view, including a known chip. A tightly cropped 40×50 image alone does not document the frame's size or condition. If the whole-work file is 2400×3000 pixels, the work's 4:5 proportions match that grid. A trapezoid caused by camera tilt is still a capture problem even when an editor later crops the file to 4:5. Reposition and recapture when possible. Do not use proportional appearance after correction as proof that every part of the artwork has undistorted detail. ## Complete the supporting set - Texture: show paint relief or paper surface without using dramatic light as the only colour reference. - Edges and frame: document finish, chips and how the work is presented. Do not crop damage out of every view. - Reverse and marks: capture accessible labels or signatures in focus. Avoid interpreting an unreadable mark through generated lettering. - Scale: provide actual measurements and a clear measurement view when useful. Label any room mockup as a mockup and keep its implied scale consistent. - Colour: maintain one reference export and check the destination's saved preview. Different displays can vary; do not promise exact appearance on every buyer's screen. ## Review the delivery against the actual work Compare the selected files with the item and written description. Check that saturation did not change the painting's palette, background removal did not cut into a frame and a glare repair did not invent brushwork. Retake when the camera source obscures essential information. Use photographs you are authorised to publish and follow the destination's current listing policy. This guide does not settle ownership or reproduction rights. Its concrete output is a linked documentation set with accurate dimensions, visible condition and traceable originals, rather than an invented gallery scene presented as a photograph of the actual display. ## FAQs Should I photograph only the painting, without its frame? Show what is included. If a frame is part of the sale, document its full outline, dimensions and condition as well as the artwork. Can AI remove glare by inventing the hidden brushwork? A plausible replacement can change the work. Prefer a better capture and document unresolved reflection rather than presenting generated detail as the original surface. ## Sources Preservation and technical guidance reviewed for this article. - City of Rockingham / Miles Noel: [How to professionally photograph your artwork]() - eBay: [Picture policy]() ## Related - [Distinguish reflection from missing detail]() - [Check colour export interpretation]() - [Document scale and marks]() ## Ready to restore your photos? Upload an image, choose your settings, and preview results with a before/after slider. [Get Started]()[View Pricing]() RestoreBunny Team Photo workflow editors Guides follow our [editorial policy]() for sourcing, product claims, AI limitations, updates, and corrections.