How to Photograph 2-D Subjects
The key to photographing two-dimensional subjects, such as works of art, is to illuminate the subject so that it is sufficiently lit with only diffuse reflections. The setup required to accomplish this goal varies depending upon its subject and its environment.
Standard Copy Setup
- Position camera on a stand directly above the subject.
- Adjust the height of the camera so that the subject completely fills the frame.
- Place a light on each side, outside the family of angles.
Wall Mounted Subjects
- Use a wide angle lens if shooting in tight quarters. A wide angle lens will widen the family of angles, providing more flexibility in the placement of lights.
- Place the lights at a shallow angle on each side of the subject, so that they rake across the surface.
- Adjust the distance of the lights and the angle to minimize hot spots on the subject. The light will be less bright as distance increases. Trade offs may be required if even illumination and glare elimination prove to be mutually exclusive goals.
- Position camera on a stand directly above the subject.
- Adjust the height of the camera so that the subject completely fills the frame.
- Place a light on each side, outside the family of angles.
- Use a wide angle lens if shooting in tight quarters. A wide angle lens will widen the family of angles, providing more flexibility in the placement of lights.
- Place the lights at a shallow angle on each side of the subject, so that they rake across the surface.
- Adjust the distance of the lights and the angle to minimize hot spots on the subject. The light will be less bright as distance increases. Trade offs may be required if even illumination and glare elimination prove to be mutually exclusive goals.
