How do I create an art portfolio with slides?

Question

What type of camera do I need (I know I need a 35mm), and lighting and everything else?

Answer 1

The first answer is correct. Having a professional do the photography is the way to go but if you are on a very limited budget you can do it yourself. When I was a student and didn't have the money so I took slides of my own work.

If you don't own a good 35 mm camera and tripod try to borrow one. Pick a cloudy day and take your pictures outside. That is the best lighting you can get. Make sure it is even. Set your work on an easel with a black mat board behind it. Set up the tripod and camera a few feet from your work. Try to have just your art work in lens. Some of the black mat board will show which is OK. It's tricky getting the art work at the same angle as the camera but it can be done. Shoot slow and take several at different settings.

I have taken pictures of my own work like that for years as a freelance artist and had no problem getting jobs. When I finally could afford to hire a profession who did the work in a studio I was not impressed. If you decide to go to a professional ask other artist who the best one in your area. Sometime you can get photography students shoot your work at their school.

Answer 2

Sometimes it's better to find a professional photographer who shoots portfolios. He'll do the lighting to make your work look great. Nothing can hurt your chances at a gallery or job more than a bad slide presentation. Take your work in and he'll hang it or do an overhead flat shot depending on the size. The slides then need to be masked so there isn't any white or black around the artwork. It usually costs about $100 for a set up and the photographer sets his own charge per shot. Label each slide (galleries hate sticky labels so write very small, but, legible. the title, date of the work, your name, size, medium number each slide and put them in slide holders(clear plastic slots like photo holders)