Why is documenting your work so important?

How you document your artwork will affect how jurors see it. The higher quality the image, the clearer it is during adjudications. High-quality images that meet technical requirements are more likely to be chosen for publications, signage, and exhibitions.

For Digital Work

When starting your work in a program such as Photoshop or Procreate, make sure your canvas is at least 9 inches on the shortest side, and your file is set to 300 dpi.

For Physical Work

Watch the video above for important tips for photographing your work.

If you know a photography teacher, mentor, or an adult with a professional camera, ask them to photograph your work for you. They should review the technical requirements listed below.

Technical Requirements

• Document your artwork with color photography.
• Your file must be high-resolution, which means that it must be at least 300 dpi. Remember: You cannot increase the dpi of a photograph after you take it.
• Your file should be at least 9 inches on the shortest side.

Before You Shoot

If you have a scanner available and the artwork is 2D, scanning in your artwork for upload is preferred. An iPhone in the newest model available to you will work if you do not have access to a camera. If using a phone, do not use the front-facing camera, use the back-facing camera. If possible, pin artwork to a wall for a straight-on shot. Use natural light from a window or use white lights. Do not photograph in warm lighting. Use a tripod or prop your camera up and use the timer to avoid blurry photography.

While You Shoot

Avoid harsh shadows. Photograph 3D pieces with and without a ruler. Use a neutral backdrop with a color that compliments the work. Keep to black, white, or gray. If artwork is 2D, do not have a background. Crop the image so just the artwork is showing. If the artwork is framed and the frame is not a part of the piece, please remove the frame. The glass will reflect and cause distortions in the photograph. What you see is what the jurors will see!

After You Shoot

Do not stylize with Photoshop effects. Make sure your image meets the technical requirements and you are happy with it!

Carolanne Jiang, Self Absorbed Family Portrait, Painting. Grade 12, Walnut Hill School, Natick, MA. Educator unavailable; School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University, Affiliate. Silver Medal