If you want to maximize your artwork’s selling potential, it’s important to take great photos of it. Artsy uses the images you supply to promote your work, and well-taken photos are key to achieving a successful result. 

High-quality images and multiple shots will attract and engage prospective collectors and allow them to make informed decisions. Any supplemental detail photos you provide will enable us to accurately represent the condition of your work for buyers, which will ultimately help protect your sales. 

Below, find our tips on taking photos that will capture the attention of buyers and boost your chances of selling.

DO: Use a simple backdrop. A plain, neutral, uncluttered background will make your artwork pop. Tip: If you don’t have a solid background, try shooting in front of a plain white sheet or poster board.	DON'T: Use patterned, cluttered or busy backdrops.
DO: Shoot in high resolution. Smartphone images generally suffice, but a digital camera can boost clarity.	DON'T: Submit a blurry photo. Don't use zoom; it can blur the image.
DO: Fill the frame. Center at a straight angle so 80–90% of the frame is filled by the work.	DON'T: Crop out edges or corners of the artwork in overall photos (i.e. non-detail shots).
DO: Find the right lighting. Diffused, natural light looks best—open curtains and blinds to let the light in.	DON'T: Use flash or take photos in dark or harsh unnatural lighting, which can obscure the image.
DO: Remove opaque packaging for condition inspection. In order for Artsy to review the current condition of your item, we will require images of the item itself. Works can be photographed within the original packaging if the packaging is transparent.	DON'T: Leave the artwork sealed in opaque packaging. A virtual inspection of the artwork itself is is necessary before Artsy can approve your item for sale.
DO: Take multiple images. Capture all angles, details, and blemishes of your work.	DON'T: Use images that represents anything but the artwork in your possession. We cannot accept stock images pulled from another website

Additional tips

• Upload your files as JPG or PNG. They should be at least 1,000 x 1,000 pixels with a maximum file size of 30MB. 
  • In addition, sRGB color profile is best as it’s used by most web browsers to display images.
• Use a tripod, if available, to help reduce blur and boost sharpness.
• Use a ring light, if possible, when natural light is not available.  
• Use your camera’s auto white balance (AWB) setting to mitigate tinting. 
• Take videos of the front and back of the work. Buyers will appreciate the extra detail and effort.
• Don’t edit your images.
• Don’t censor details such as edition numbers, signature information, or condition issues. 
• Don’t use large items as paperweights. 
  • If the work has been previously stored in a tube and you need to flatten the sheet, please gently roll in the opposite direction to correct the rolling. 
  • If a weight is needed, please use a small object and take two images, moving the weight slightly in between, so that all parts of the artwork can be reviewed.  

Image Checklist

Please review the following image requirements. Failure to provide necessary images may inhibit our ability to thoroughly vet and prepare your listing for auction, thereby resulting in a later sale date for your consignment. 

• Cover image (high-resolution photo of overall frontside of artwork): This will be used to represent your listing, so please provide the best quality possible.
• Image of overall backside of artwork.
• Detailed images:
  • Signatures, inscriptions, or markings (e.g. numbering, stamps, labels): Please note, details are sometimes located on the backside or underside
  • Corners of artwork 
  • Any condition concerns (see “Condition Terminology” page) 
  • Framing, if applicable
  • Packaging, if applicable:
    • Original boxes (for merchandise like KAWS toys, Daniel Arsham relics, etc.): Please include an overall shot, as well as detailed images of any condition concerns (general wear, abrasions, dents, etc.)  
    • Original portfolio cases
• Documentation: an authorized certificate of authenticity or document of acquisition (e.g. original invoice/receipt, written documentation) may be requested for works on a case-by-case basis.