If you’re a Devon artist wondering what artwork photography costs, you’re not alone. It’s usually the first question. The honest answer is that it 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 painter Claire Jo Harmer, who came to me to document her latest Highland collection of five vibrant paintings, Paignton artist and illustrator Frances Mason, and Plymouth painter Erica Luke. Erica 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, her studio wall making 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, although photographing several works at the same time 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 can also require additional time to control reflections.
Studio or location
Bringing your work to my studio in Torquay is the most cost-effective option, as the lighting and equipment can be set up in advance. For large, fragile or immovable work, I can photograph at your studio, gallery or exhibition, with travel charged according to the location.
File requirements
Sessions include high-resolution files for print and web-optimised versions for online use. If you need particular 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. Artwork can be brought 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 & Location photography, travel within 10 miles of my studio is included; additional mileage is charged at 55p per mile.
1-4 Artworks
For individual pieces or smaller groups
- Artwork brought to my studio
- Controlled lighting for accurate colour reproduction
- Professional colour correction & image preparation included
- Private online gallery to view, share and download
- Hi-res print file and web-ready image included
- 6 x 4 proof print
5+ Artworks
For collections and bodies of work
- Artwork brought to my studio
- 5–11 artworks: £22 each
- 12+ artworks: £20 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 of each artwork included
Studio & Location
Photography at your studio, gallery or exhibition
- Professional lighting for accurate colour reproduction
- Professional colour correction & image preparation
- Artwork photographed individually or in situ
- 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
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, with additional mileage charged at 55p 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, with your files delivered through a private online gallery for easy viewing, sharing and downloading. If you’re not sure what you need for a particular submission or print job, I’m happy to advise before you book.
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 is seeing 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 get in touch with a brief description of what you need: how many pieces, what type of work, and how you’ll be using 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.
