How to Photograph your Artwork

I make my living from woodwork. (Ignore that sniggering in the background; “You call this a living!”) In my cases. Of course they need to see what they are going to buy. The next best thing to seeing the craftwork is a photo. Let me rephrase that, the next best thing is a superb photo, an ordinary photo is hopeless. “No, really, the actual work is much better, honest.”

Over the past few yea, from making arty farty wood pieces and selling them to customers, whether they are individuals or galleriers that we have been selling our craft patterns many woodworkers have sent us photos of their completed work. We thank you for these. They are carefully kept in an album and shown to other woodworkers with pride. “See how many people have made our designs.” I try to give feedback on the work. “It’s a bit difficult to tell from your photo but the work looks as if it may be pretty good.”

Sorry to say this but the majority of woodworkers do not seem to be doing photographic justice to their work. Lots of effort goes into the woodwork. It only takes a little more to upgrade to excellent photography.

This free article sets out what I do to get good photos. Remember that I am not a pro photographer, just a craftsman with not much money to spend on fancy gizmos.

You can judge for yourself if I know what I am talking about. All the photos on this web site are home grown.

Hey guys. Not only do I admire your work immensely, but you have some of the best photos posted on the Yahoo (Intarsia) site, as far as photo quality goes. No glare off your pieces, great resolution, etc.

Aaron (Chicago by email)

Download your free photography article here.

Protecting your lungs and your bank balance

A home made dust exclusion mask

Nature in its infinite wisdom only gave woodworkers one pair of eyes, one pair of ears and one set of lungs. Loud noises and flying pieces of wood are easily recognised as possible dangers but dust is not so obvious.

I spend a good deal of time sanding my intarsia with pneumatic drum sanders which are very efficient and produce copious quantities of dust. Even with proficient dust extraction to each sander some dust escapes into the atmosphere. Very small particles stay floating in the air to be inhaled by any passing respiratory system. This is a bad idea. Living in the tropics our workshop is a very open affair with lots of air passing through but in a colder climate with an enclosed shop this may be a bigger problem.

This free download is a copy of an article that I had published in the Australian Woodworker magazine.

It suggests a way of using cheap bits and pieces to provide yourself with a clean airflow while you work. It is based around a second hand hair dryer that I picked up for $2.

Download cheap dust mask ideas here

Free Articles

I will be adding new stuff to this page from time to time. So check back soon.

Photographing Your Work
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Cheap Homemade Dust Maskmore details

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