Digitizing watercolor paintings requires the right approach to photograph well. Thankfully, a modern iPhone can capture excellent results if you use the right setup. Here’s how to get the cleanest, most print-ready files without a scanner.
1. Use Natural, Even Light
Light is everything when photographing artwork.
Best option:
• Place your painting near a bright window with indirect daylight.
• Avoid direct sun, which adds harsh shadows and glare.
• Turn off overhead interior lights to prevent mixed color temperatures.
Tip: Cloudy days are actually perfect! Soft, diffused light makes watercolor textures look amazing.
2. Remove All Shadows
Shadows from your hand, the phone, or surrounding objects can distort colors.
Do this:
• Place the artwork flat on the ground or a table.
• Stand directly over it.
• Step back a bit and zoom in 1.2x–1.5x to avoid lens distortion.
3. Keep Everything Perfectly Straight
Watercolor paintings should be photographed as straight-on as possible.
Checklist:
• Use your phone’s gridlines (Settings → Camera → Grid).
• Make sure the artwork edges form a clean rectangle in the frame.
• Don’t tilt the phone, as that creates perspective distortion.
4. Avoid Glare on Textured or Wet Areas
Watercolor paper often has tooth and subtle shine.
Prevent glare by:
• Rotating the painting slightly left or right until glare disappears.
• Adjusting your position while staying directly above.
• Using two lamps on each side if shooting indoors.
5. Capture at the Highest Quality
Modern iPhones can capture shockingly detailed files.
Recommended settings:
• Turn on Apple ProRAW (Settings → Camera → Formats).
• If you don’t want RAW, use the standard camera mode — not Portrait or filters.
• Clean the camera lens.
Pro Tip: Take multiple shots so you can pick the sharpest one.
6. Edit Gently — Don’t Overcorrect
Your goal is accuracy, not drama.
Simple adjustments only:
• Crop and straighten.
• Adjust exposure if needed.
• Use the “Brilliance” slider sparingly.
• Avoid Instagram-style filters or sharpening.
7. Use a Neutral Background
Place your artwork on:
• A white foam board
• A clean tabletop
• Neutral gray paper
Avoid busy textures like wood grain, rugs, or fabric patterns that reflect color.
8. Check the File Before Sending to Print
Before uploading to The Stackhouse, review the file:
• Are the edges straight?
• Are the colors accurate to the original?
• Any shadows, glare, or uneven lighting?
• Is the image crisp when zoomed in?
If you’re unsure, you can always send us a quick sample. We’re happy to give feedback before you order a large print.
9. For Best Results: Consider Professional Scanning
Your iPhone can get you surprisingly good results, but for large prints or detailed fine art:
Our professional scanning captures:
• True-to-life textures
• Full color accuracy
• High-resolution files suitable for large format printing
• Clean, evenly lit edges
• Multiple deliverables (TIFF, print-ready JPG, web file)
We also offer art photography, which is ideal for oversized pieces or artwork with complex textures.
Have any questions or need further assistance? Reach out to us at support@thestackhouse.com
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