Good lighting is critical for any artist trying to capture digital images of their work.

Every artist's studio has its unique setup, posing a challenge for achieving perfect lighting each time. Each artwork is different, and this also poses its own hurdles.  Photographing your art outdoors or indoors near a window or setting up one or two lights with daylight bulbs are a few ways that can work. However, we recommend the four-point lighting system as the most optimal option. It's a reliable way to get even lighting across the face of your painting, no matter your studio setup. Check out the step-by-step guide below.

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The Four-Point Lighting System

This formula is ideal for indoor lighting of artwork because it produces even lighting across the face of your canvas. In the example illustration below each light is 2 feet from the wall, and 2.5 feet from the center of the artwork. Modifying the distance is acceptable as long as the ratio remains consistent.

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How To Setup the Four-Point Lighting System

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Step 1 - Gather your Materials

While pricier alternatives exist, we've discovered that these materials suffice for the majority of tasks. Find links to where you can purchase these items at the end of this aticle.

List of Materials for the DIY Lighting Setup

• Clamp lights (4) - $32.85
• Light Bulbs (100W, Daylight) - $14.79
• Light Stands (2) - $44.99
• Extension Cords (2 or 3) - $10.00
• Polarized Film (Optional) - $27.00
• Polarized Lens (Optional) - $12.99

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Step 2 - Attach Clamp Lights

Estimate the approximate height the lights should be relative to the painting, attach the lights to the light stands, and place the stands near the painting.

Maintain the ratio while adjusting light placement. Larger paintings require lights to be further apart:

• 2' from wall and 2.5' from center of the painting
• 4' from wall and and 5' from center of the painting

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Step 3 - Measure and Adjust

Measure the correct distances from the wall and center of the artwork and adjust the placement of the lights until they correlate to the formula above. Point the lights at the center of the artwork and look closely for brighter or darker areas. If one or more areas are brighter than the other, double-check your measurements and adjust the light bulb placement. If the upper area of the artwork is brighter or darker than the lower, you may need to raise/lower the top lights or lower/raise the bottom lights. If the left or right side is brighter than the other, you may need to move one light stand further away or closer to create even lighting. For larger paintings, move the lights further away according to the formula so that the artwork is evenly lit.

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Step 4 (Optional) -  Polarized Film and Lens

Reduce the chance of getting any glare on your images by attaching polarized film to each light.

When using Polarized film you'll need this polarized clip on lens for your phone lens. It is inexpensive and effective for reducing and eliminating most glare.

For more info on how to remove glare when photographing art check out our tutorial video here

Below are links to all of the materials referenced above: