Taking pictures of pictures

[BlueSage]

As a writer, sometimes I'm required to photograph a photo, painting, drawing, etc. for print, or as part of my research. This happens generally when the individual I'm interviewing doesn't have the image on a computer, and won't allow me to take it to my office to scan. Sometimes they say, "You can just take a picture of this picture, can't you?"

I can, and I have, but the results haven't been spectacular. What are the best ways to photograph existing photos or artwork (paintings, etc.), considering lighting (natural?), angle of the camera (standing on a loft / ladder with camera in hand looking down on painting?), etc. What is the best way to shoot the photo straight on, without that funny slant that makes it look like you took a picture of a picture?

I encourage any and all advice on what to do - and what not to do.
Thanks!

[BlueSage]

Just to clarify: I am very familiar with US copyright law, so I'm not asking about that. I'm asking about how to physically best go about photographing a photograph, painting, drawing, etc. Thank you.

[mswebb]

Painting or photograph on the wall.

Custom white balance to get the most out of existing light. Reposition light as necessary to evenly light the entire piece.

Camera on tripod with a level to ensure your sensor is parallel to the piece on the wall. You might even want to take a small torpedo level to check the actual level of the piece and match it on tripod.

Get as much of the frame filled as you can with the piece to avoid cropping later.

Hope that helps...

[BlueSage]

Excellent advice. I'll give it a try. Thank you.

[jiminyClickit]

BlueSage,

Welcome back, with that rare avatar. Here's another view, if time is short: I walked outside, set this 8" x 8" pen-stippled piece at about a 45 degree angle to Sun (at about 10 AM) and shot. It's inside an acetate sleeve, so you see how direct sunlight can help.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3237/...aa095e0c27.jpg

[PhotoNewt]

I have never done this myself but I recall my father did this type of work often.

He once explained to me the use of a matte piece of glass to cover a glossy photo or a page on a book. This served two purposes, one to flatten the page so is as parallel as possible to the film plane (in his case), and also eliminate any light reflections from glossy pages that may show on the final photo.

Careful framing with camera on a tripod, manual focus and exposure were used for this type of work.

Hope this helps some.

[Mr Guy]

Just as a contrary voice, keep in mind that you may WANT to see the surface of the medium, particularly in oil paintings or prints on unusual surface. You can accent the texture of the medium with harsh side lighting.

[Stuggi]

If your budget allows it I would recommend looking at a ring-flash. They are very widely used in documentation of various things due to the light they give.