If you’re a Devon artist wondering what artwork photography costs, you’re not alone. It’s usually the first question. The honest answer depends on what you need, but this guide explains what’s involved, what affects the price, and what you can expect to pay.
Artists who have brought work to my Torquay studio include South Devon painters Belinda Eaton, Claire Jo Harmer, who came to document her latest Highland collection of five vibrant paintings; Paignton artist and illustrator Frances Mason; and Plymouth painter Erica Luke, who brought her paintings to the studio for photography, and when I returned them, we arranged a separate studio visit so I could photograph her with her work, with her studio wall providing a beautiful, natural backdrop.
What affects the cost of artwork photography?
Artwork photography isn’t a one-size-fits-all service. Several factors affect the time involved and, therefore, the cost:
Number of pieces
The more pieces you need photographed, the longer the session will be, although photographing several works at once is more cost-effective than photographing them individually.
Type of artwork
Paintings, prints and drawings are generally quicker to photograph than three-dimensional work such as sculpture or ceramics, which requires more considered lighting to show form, texture and surface accurately. Glazed, highly reflective, or heavily framed work may also require extra time to control reflections.
Studio or location
Bringing your work to my studio in Torquay is the most cost-effective option, as I can set up the lighting and equipment in advance. For large, fragile, or immovable work, I can photograph at your studio, gallery, or exhibition, with travel charged by location.
File requirements
Sessions include high-resolution files for print and web-optimised versions for online use. If you need specific dimensions, file formats, or colour profiles to meet gallery, exhibition, or competition submission requirements, let me know when you enquire.
My artwork photography fees
Few photographers publish their prices. I do, because I think it helps you make an informed decision before we even speak. You can bring artwork to my studio, or I can photograph it at your studio, gallery, or exhibition. Oversized, heavy, glazed, highly reflective and 3D artworks may require an individual quote. For studio and location photography, travel within 10 miles of my studio is included; additional mileage is charged at 50p per mile.
1-4 Artworks
For individual pieces or smaller groups
- Artwork brought to my studio
- £50 studio setup fee per session, covering artwork positioning, hanging arrangements, lighting setup and consultation
- Controlled lighting for accurate colour reproduction
- Professional colour correction & image preparation included
- Private online gallery to view, share and download
- Hi-res print files and web-ready images included
- 6 × 4 proof print per artwork
5+ Artworks
For collections and bodies of work
- Artwork brought to my studio
- £50 studio setup fee per session, covering artwork positioning, hanging arrangements, lighting setup and consultation
- 5–11 artworks: £22 each
- 12+ artworks: £18 each
- Controlled lighting for accurate colour reproduction
- Professional colour correction & image preparation included
- Private online gallery to view, share and download
- Hi-res print files and web-ready images included
- 6 × 4 proof print per artwork
- Selected pieces can also be photographed in an interior setting to show scale and context, where appropriate
Studio & Location
Photography at your studio, gallery, exhibition or other location
- Professional lighting for accurate colour reproduction
- Professional colour correction & image preparation included
- Artwork photographed individually or within its surroundings
- Hi-res print and web-ready files via a private online gallery
- Artist portraits and studio photographs can also be included
- Suitable for exhibitions, portfolios, websites and publicity
- Travel within 10 miles of my Torquay studio included; thereafter 50p per mile
- Additional time, specialist setup or equipment quoted separately where required
Also available: Artist Portrait Sessions
Artist portrait sessions are available at your studio or location, using professional lighting, natural light or a combination of both. Sessions usually last one to two hours and include professional retouching, high-resolution print files, web-ready images and a private online gallery for viewing, sharing and downloading. Travel within 10 miles of my studio is included; additional mileage is charged at 45p per mile. Prices start from £150.
Glazed artwork picture frame & artwork BEFORE Lighting
Reflections disappear AFTER professional lighting
What’s included in the price?
Every session at Sue Vaughton Photography in Torquay includes professionally prepared, high-resolution files suitable for print and exhibition submissions, along with web-optimised versions for your website and social media. Colour correction and image preparation are included as standard, and we deliver your files through a private online gallery for easy viewing, sharing, and downloading.
Is professional artwork photography worth the cost?
For most artists in Devon, yes, particularly if you’re submitting work to galleries, applying for grants, taking part in Devon Open Studios, are a member of the Devon Artist Network, or selling your work online. A poor photograph can undermine strong work, particularly when a gallery, buyer, or selection panel sees the photograph rather than the original.
Phone cameras have improved significantly, but they can still struggle with accurate colour, reflections on glazed work and consistent lighting across a body of work. Professional equipment, controlled lighting and careful colour correction make a noticeable difference, particularly when the photographs are intended for print reproduction.
“As an artist, I have found that high-quality imagery is indispensable for everything from open calls to digital portfolios. I cannot recommend Sue highly enough. Whether I was taking
E L
canvas paintings to her studio to be photographed or having her visit mine for artist portraits,
the results were exactly what I needed. As a creative herself, Sue truly understands the
specific requirements of an artist.
Her colour-matching skills are impressive, and she made me feel completely at ease during my portrait session. I particularly appreciate that she provides both high-resolution images, perfect for reproduction prints, and web-ready files for easy uploading.
Sue is lovely to work with, a great communicator, and has an amazing eye for detail. The whole process was seamless, and her expertise really shows in the final images.“
How to get a quote for artwork photography in Devon
The easiest way to get an accurate cost is to send a brief description of what you need: how many pieces, what type of work, and how you’ll use the images. I’ll come back to you with a clear quote, usually within 24 hours.
I work with artists across Devon and Cornwall from my Torquay studio, covering Exeter, Plymouth, Teignmouth, Newton Abbot, and Dartmouth. You’re welcome to bring work to me, or I’m happy to discuss travel for larger or fragile pieces. You can find out more about how I work on my artwork photography page.
