Best idea for newspaper story pictures

Renee Cook · 01-26-2003, 05:58 PM

My local paper is doing a feature story on me. The photographer for the paper is coming to my home to take a picture of me and my work. I think I will choose one of my portraits. Any ideas for getting the best shot of the painting quality wise with their photographer? When he or she takes the photo will it look accurate or should I consider alternate means? Would submitting an 8x10 of my painting be better? Does the quality change in newspaper photos? I hope that makes sense.

Thanks,
Renee

Timothy C. Tyler · 05-27-2003, 11:25 AM

Those people are not always the best. You and your work may get greatly distorted. However, newspaper photographers want the paper to feel they are needed, so many want to shoot their own images...like you holding a dry brush to a finished painting while peeking over your shoulder at the camera - one of my all time favorites!

I'd have some killer ones to offer and maybe they will get used.

Mike Dodson · 05-27-2003, 12:00 PM

Renee,

I recently had a story done by a local newspaper on me and my work and I think it turned out quite well. I e-mailed them several digital photos I had taken of my work and they printed one of the paintings on the front page. The image printed was good (for newsprint) and I received a lot of compliments from those in the community. They also took photos of me teaching (I have a class I teach one night each week). These photos weren't as good as the ones I sent, but were a good enough representation to support the article.

One thing I would have them do is to e-mail you a copy of the article for you to proof. I found and corrected many errors that were written. Their incorrect spelling of artists' names and art terminology could make you look bad.

Michele Rushworth · 05-27-2003, 07:53 PM

I would definitely take several of your own photos to submit, well in advance of their deadline and before the photographer comes out to your house. That way the paper has several things to choose from.

Take a look at the suggestions on photographing your art in other threads in this forum. Submit an 8x10" black and white image (unless you know they'll run it in color). Choose a painting that has strong light and dark masses with a simple composition. This will hold up best at the low print quality of newspapers.

Also shoot some of you with your work and send them the best ones. Think of the image you want yourself and your paintings to have in your potential clients' eyes. If you are trying to appeal to an upscale market, dress accordingly.