Judging By The Looks of Things

So what if took 3 months, 4 separate photo shoots for the same paintings, 3 photographers, emotional madness, delays, missed deadlines, and additional expense to have my work shown in the best light and image, figuratively and literally, so be it. I have emerged a happier artist. Lemme tell ya....

 

Before -Take 1

Work in Progress shot by Moi

I take most of my own photographs for my blog and my personal Facebook page. I try to use as many professional photographs on my Fan page on Facebook, which you can LIKE by clicking here (PLEASE, if you don't mind my asking) and my website. For alternative marketing and show applications, I definitely want professional photographers and images. I need and rely on their expertise, knowledge and guidance to help me reach the level I want and need to go.

I'll shoot a work-in-progress shot (see Geisha above), an event, or perhaps some test shots myself so I can see where my hot or ugly spots are and where tweaking is needed. I point and shoot with my lower end Canon digital camera. And IF by a twist of fate, luck and light they should come out fairly well, I will use those shots on my website too! The paintings on the right sidebar of this blog are ones I shot. The bracelets and boxes were professionally shot. I have thought many a time about purchasing a better camera and doing this myself, but right now my plate is full.

After - Shoot # 4
Professionally shot:

Marilyn Grad Copyright @2012

Lighting and angle shots were two of several sources of my madness from both shoots. I use a high gloss varnish which most often results in a lot of glare and "hot" areas. Color was also an issue. I have worked with one of the photographers for nearly three years and we have developed a trust and confident relationship especially where bracelets and boxes were the subject. My paintings were new territory for both of us this time. I mentioned my applications and how I wanted them shot: on a white background and/or a wall.

The very first shoot the photographer and I agreed the lighting was terrible and a new piece of equipment was needed and was ordered.  A new shoot was rescheduled for the following week. We agreed that I would leave my art at the studio and he would go ahead and shoot it in my ABSENCE to make up for lost time and expense. I will tell you now THAT WAS A MISTAKE.  I ended up with shots I couldn't use and angles that did not capture the details of certain paintings.  I take responsibility for taking the gamble. It sounded great at the time.

I do not want sound like or appear to be an Artistzilla (imagine a bridezilla for which I have no experience, for artists), or a control freak (I do have experience at that) nor do I EVER want to be become one during shoots. Sometimes it is necessary. Everybody sees different things. My paintings and personal reinvention are new for me which makes me anxious and excited and I just want to do it right. I am going to be judged in some way based on these images. Right now I'm doing a lot of the judging before anyone else and feeling rather insecure.

 Before Shoot # 2:
professionally shot

Marilyn Grad Copyright @2012

If you look toward the top of the green stone and also the top right top corner of the inset canvas you may, or may not, notice some exposed glue. I did as soon as I got home and I uploaded my disc. The photographer didn't catch it or maybe he did and just wanted to get this job over with.  The color was off so I tweaked this again at home.  I saw other flaws that I made that the camera picked up. I did not like how I painted the Buddha, there was an ugly spot on the canvas that needed touching up. I know that is what Photoshop, or in my case free and downloadable Photoscape is for, but there were other things.

After - Shoot # 4
Professionally shot 

Marilyn Grad Copyright @2012

By shoot #4, I just wanted this photographic gestation period done. Up until shoot #4, I had done more research and started reaching out for additional resources online and in the art community which was nurturing and helpful. I studied the photographs of other artists and their websites and asked via email who shot their work. I created two new paintings, tweaked some other paintings a little more and worked on my self-deprecating inner dialogue. It's hard being in my head sometimes.

Long story short, I ended up going back to my original photographer for several reasons. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater. Just the photographs. I stated again EXACTLY what I wanted. I asked to see some of the shots in the camera during the shoot to check on angles and lighting. It worked. The photographer taught me some new things.

 

Marilyn Grad Copyright@2012

With this now complete and my lessons learned, I am ready to confidently proceed and get my work out there. I will know by next week if I got into the Bucktown ArtsFest. Keeping my fingers crossed. I have new copy and descriptions to write for my website. I am also in the process of taking a course in writing a better blog so that I can connect and grow a wider audience. By the looks of things, I shall be splendidly busy. I also hope you won't judge me too harshly after this and will still LIKE me on Facebook using this link.