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Two Methods:Direct sunlightPolarizing Filters

While a photograph of an oil painting will never give you the same experience as actually seeing the original, these tips will help you get close.


Method 1 of 2: Direct sunlight

  1. 1
    Wait until the painting dries. Best photos are of dry or nearly dry oil paintings. If the oil is still wet, it will shine in areas and the oil remaining in the painting will reflect light differently than the dry areas of the painting. If your painting is still relatively wet, try spraying the whole painting lightly with artist retouch varnish. Please note that retouch varnish is not the same as varnish that will be applied after 6 to 12 months of drying time. Allow the artist retouch varnish to dry approximately 30 minutes prior to photographing the painting.
  2. 2
    Go outside on a sunny day. Sunlight greatly simplifies the photographing process. Strong sunlight will reduce the light bouncing back from different layers of oil paint resulting in shiny and dark areas of the painting in the photo.
  3. 3
    Lay the painting down flat on ground. If possible, use a dark color cloth to lay the painting on to reduce color interference and light changes. This is especially important with a darker painting or one with red tones. Make sure that your shadow is not on the painting as you stand over it.
  4. 4
    Point the camera straight down to get as little angle distortion as possible. You may need to experiment with position to get the sunlight and painting in the right position so as to have no shadow and no light bouncing around. Use a tripod if available to reduce camera movement when adjusting the angle of the camera.
  5. 5
    Take several shots until you are happy with the results. You will be surprised how well this method works versus trying to take photo of oil painting inside or in a vertical position.

Method 2 of 2: Polarizing Filters

If your camera is equipped for filters, look into purchasing a polarizing filter. If not, however, try making a "poor man's polarizing filter".[1]

  1. 1
    Purchase a pair of sunglasses that have polarization filtering. Most cheap sunglasses don't.
  2. 2
    Put them across the front of your camera’s lens.
  3. 3
    Take pictures as described above, if you can.


  • Make sure that there is something to protect the painting when laying it on ground. Watch out for wet grass.

Things You'll Need

  • tripod
  • dark cloth
  • sunlight

Article Info

Categories: Photography

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