We offer end-to-end art collection documentation including storage preparation, transportation, digital capture, retouching, digital cataloging, website creation and book design.

Our expertise in project management along with attention to detail for every step in the documentation process results in a highly accessible catalogue that can be used by appraisers, gallerists, and family members.

A family’s art collection is always among the most valued possessions. However, it can be very challenging to document and care for a collection. Sometimes an accomplished artist passes away and his or her heirs accept the mantle of responsibility for preserving that legacy.

Sometimes a couple downsizes their home and must place a cherished collection into storage. Many changes in life necessitate finding a new home for a collection. Perhaps collectors simply wish to have a museum-quality visual representation of their collection.

Solutions include coffee table books, websites, or digital catalogue which can be easily transported and shared. Also, professional photographs and documentation of the information related to the artwork help to support the provenance and insurability of the works.

At The Scientific Photographer, we offer transportation of artworks and we properly package art objects that can be placed directly into storage.

We provide an organized visual reference for families to use to share the objects, whatever the storage situation. This flexibility allows owners to approach appraisers, museums, buyers and other collectors to find new homes for their valuable art.

We have all seen it happen – a promising artist has an opportunity for an exhibition, gallery or fellowship and poor quality photos cause them to be overlooked. The quality of the images always influences acceptance into art shows, galleries, publications, and direct sales.

Professional high-quality photography is the best representation of the creative effort. We photograph art objects of all types and sizes to help artists achieve their career goals.

Wood sculpture by Thomas Matsuda

Fishbone basket by Gerri McMillin

Bronze sculpture by Danielle Anjou

Scott transforms an ordinary image into an extraordinary statement of my art.

We offer high-resolution photography of individual art objects in our studio. These services include photography of flat art objects (paintings, tapestries and other wall hanging media, works on paper…) and dimensional art objects (sculpture, ceramics, antique objects, wood carvings…). In every case, we would discuss the project with you and provide a firm project quote prior to producing the photography.

This pricing guideline is a starting point for determining project costs. There may be special circumstances where custom pricing is required. For example, a large piece of antique furniture is a dimensional object but would be far more demanding to photograph and handle than a twelve-inch sculpture and would cost more than the typical dimensional object fee. That is why we always provide a custom quote for each project.

What we deliver

We will transfer the image files to you including photographs of each object in two file formats. There will be one set of high-resolution TIFF image files (RGB color space) and one set of web-resolution JPEG files (highest quality setting, sRGB, 1000 pixels on the long side). Let us know if you need Zapplication.org or other specially formatted image files and we will discuss creating those for you.

Note: To ensure a safe archive, copy everything onto your computer hard drive and back it up onto your backup drive or Cloud storage. You should maintain at least 3 identical copies of the files on three separate drives. One drive should be stored remotely (at a different site, safe deposit box, fireproof file cabinet).

Pricing

Individual flat art objects: $ 110.00 per object for 1 or 2
$ 100.00 per object for 3 to 6
$ 90.00 per object for 7 to 10
$ 80.00 per object for 11 to 19

• One photograph showing the entire object, standard gray reference included (diptychs or triptychs count as one image)
• If you want a detail (close-up) photograph, add $25 for each additional detail photograph
• Projects involving 20 objects or more are eligible for additional discounts – ask for a custom quote
• Yes, you may combine your work with someone else’s collection in order to qualify for discounts

Dimensional art objects: $ 200.00 per object for 1 or 2
$ 180.00 per object for 3 to 6
$ 165.00 per object for 7 to 10
$ 150.00 per object for 11 to 19

• One photograph showing the entire object
• If you want a detail (close-up) photograph or additional view of the object, add $35 for each additional photograph
• Projects involving 20 objects or more are eligible for additional discounts – ask for a custom quote
• Yes, you may combine your work with someone else’s collection in order to qualify for discounts

Please note that photography of dimensional objects often involves special challenges (reflective surfaces, large sizes, complicated rigging…) and may deviate from these guidelines. Again, a custom quote is always provided. Basic dimensional object photography covers objects photographed on a tabletop sweep with a simple gradated neutral-tone background (generally, a white foreground to dark gray background gradation).

I have photographed projects ranging from 1 piece to over 500 pieces in the studio. I also photograph exhibitions and will photograph collections in a private residence or institution. Please contact me about your imaging needs and I will provide an approach that works best for you.

I would be happy to discuss your needs with you and provide a written quote for any project. Please give me a call at 805-689-8748 – I am always happy to chat about your imaging needs.

Email Scott

Call/Text 805-689-8748

Studio Location & Directions
1996 Eastman Ave, Studio 111
Ventura, CA 93003

Northeast corner of Eastman Ave and Market Street. We are in the Livingston Memorial building, about 2/3 of the way along the building away from Eastman Ave., facing Market St. Always call to set up a visit to the studio so that we can be there to welcome you.

Studio Photography of Artwork – Pricing Guide downloadable PDF