Saturday, March 31, 2012

Working and reworking photos

the original, 2 prints, and the reference - equals one headache for me
I am still struggling with photography. I did screw myself over with this painting - as I varnished it and it became a complete mirror before I photographed it.

I spent 6 hours, took over 250 photographs and used 2 different photo programs trying to correct and fix and rework.

Christinas Photography Structure
Because it was reflecting everything, including me and the white walls in front of the painting I built two structures. One for me to hide behind on the floor and one to cover the wall :P And it still hasnt fixed all the problems!

another version of Nectar. we're still working and working
We went through in Lightroom today more of the photos I took. This one has more of the original colors - less purples. You can see the detail in her hair better. But the problem areas such as the streak marks from the gesso underneath catching light and such are still driving me up a wall.

the version of Nectar I posted before
On the computer, I like the one I posted yesterday - but it wasnt working out with the printer. The one above, the more yellowy one came out looking a bit more true to life in a print. Bah!! 
I am really afraid the structure may have to come back up as I dont know if I will ever be able to photograph this painting correctly :P
Youd think by now I would have learned to not varnish a dark painting before photographing it but alas. I want to bring out the colors with the varnish and wind up causing tears of frustration instead :P

If you have any hot tips, thoughts, feel free to let me know! :P
This my tale of behind the scenes madness this comes about after all the painting work is done ;)

12 comments:

  1. Your paintings are awesome!! The details are just amazing!! I think you did great job of photograhing this! I have to check out the rest of your work!

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    1. awww thank you heather <3 i am so happy you like my paintings :D!! youve put a big smile on my face ^^

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  2. I saw what you meant when I enlarged the pictures. I have no idea for you however, sorry. Fingers crossed that you'll find a solution.

    P.S. So you live in a cocoon, eh? That explains a lot :-P

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  3. oh, how frustrating that you have had such a challenge!
    what i hear over and over is to take photos of art outside with good light, but not the bright light of the day. wishing you the best with this beautiful piece!

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    1. thanks so much tammie ^^ i will try it outside potentially, in a few weeks as its on display right now. but I think the copy of the lighter print is good - doesnt look good on the computer so much - but looks good when printed :P well see if ill do anything more to it

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  4. You did it perfectly! I like all your artwork. It would be our pleasure to see You and your artwork at our small online art community. Visit us and find some new friends! Best wishes!

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    1. wow! thank you so much for inviting me :D I will check that out straight away ^^

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  5. http://illustrationpoetry.blogspot.com/p/portraits-of-me.html

    beautiful! :D

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    1. thanks so much for posting that darling <3 ill let you know when youre copy is on its way to you!! *hugs*

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  6. Outside, in morning light, with no flash is the only thing that has worked for me when photographing varnished paintings. You may have to play with directions of the light and angles to get it just the way you want it. You did a wonderful job on the painting of Mita. Your work is lovely. :)

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    1. thank you so much! i am glad you like her portrait :D
      I will have to figure something out outside soon, for normal paintings that angle in my hallway is perfect...its the dark ones that are very unforgiving :P
      oh well!
      Thanks so much for the compliments again! xoxo

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