California Watercolor Association

Here's a simple way to take slides out of doors, which are adequate for submissions to shows.

The Camera:

Use a 35mm single lens reflex (SLR) camera. This allows you to see exactly what you're photographing through the view finder, and allows you to control the film speed.

The Light:

The best light is between 10am and 3pm. Photograph in sunlight or bright shade or on a bright cloudy day. Make sure the painting is angled to receive EVEN LIGHT over all, and that no shadows are cast overhead wires, branches, the photographer, etc.

The Painting:

Attach the painting to a neutral sheet of mat board with folded masking tape in back (or place it in a neutral colored mat) and support it horizontally on an easel or other suitably level spot. The proportions of the painting will almost never agree with the proportion of the slide and so some of the surrounding material will always show which is why the painting must be matted or on neutral board. AVOID BACKGROUND SCENERY.

If you have some black velvet material available, you can cover a board with it, attach your painting to it, and proceed with taking the picture. Often any black border that appears around the margins of your image will not need to be masked by mylar (see below).

The Film:

Kodachrome is the best, although processing may take a bit longer. Kodak Ektachrome Elite 100 and Fujichrome 50 or 100 are satisfactory and can be processed quickly.

Taking the Slide:

1. Set up the painting and adjust the camera to agree with the ISO/ASA number of the film.
2. Set the aperture to 5.6 and the shutter speed between 1/60 and 1/125, or close to this relationship. If you have an automatic camera, set it to Auto and f5.6
3. Fill the entire frame of the viewfinder with the artwork to the extent possible. Make sure the camera lens in centered On and PARALLEL TO the painting. The edges of your painting must be parallel to the edges of your viewfinder. The camera should be tilted the same angle as the painting.
4. Focus the camera. If you are not using a tripod, take a deep breath and hold the camera as steady as possible. TAKE AT LEAST 3 EXPOSURES per painting. Use different f-numbers and compare the results, ie: f5.6, f8, f11. Taking 2 shots at each f-stop avoids having to make duplicates later. You pay for developing the whole roll even if it is not all exposed.

Editing:

Mylar tape (available at camera stores) can be used to tape out any extraneous material appearing on the slide. If you need to remove the slide from its cardboard holder, replacement holders are available at camera stores.