MAANZ Photo Tips

Judging for most exhibitions will be in person and images are mainly to match entries with submissions.

Image sizes for the International Exhibitions are set at a higher resolution as the jurying process for submissions is done online initially, so high quality images are very important.

Whatever the exhibit, your artwork may be displayed on our website and, with modern high resolutions screens, a larger image size is now required. A minimum of 2560 x 1440 pixels is recomended, and kept under 24MB for easy upload.

How to Change the Resolution/size of your Image In order to change the resolution of your image, you will need a photo editing program such as Photoshop, Windows Paint, PhotoScape, etc.

• If your image is the correct resolution, but you need a smaller size, you can change the pixel measurement of the longest size to what you need. Ensure that the setting that keeps the proportions of the original is checked.

• You can increase the image size and resolution however this does not make the image clearer it simply copies the information that is already there to create the higher resolution. It cannot add in more detail that does not exist in the first place.

• If doing this in Photoshop, you need to ensure that the “resample image” option is off.

• If your image is too small, and the resolution too low it is recommended that you re photograph the work, unless it is just by a few pixels. As you are editing, use the Save As option to create new images with new names so that you don’t overwrite and lose the original file.

• Once you are ready, save the file(s) according to the title requirements above

Professional Photo Tips

• Always photograph using the highest resolution your camera will provide.

• For the best results - use a digital camera with at least 12 mega pixels (most modern phone cameras are adequate)

• Make sure the whole image is sharp and in focus.

• Think about your lighting. Front or side light your work as backlighting will mute colors

• Placing the artwork in an even patch of shade or in soft evenly diffused window light works best. Indoor lighting can be yellow and impact how your work looks.

• Make sure your artwork is flat to the wall rather than leaning against it so you are taking the photo straight on to the artwork and minimizing shadows.

• Keep backgrounds neutral. Your work should stand out not the background. Busy textures or outdoor scenes distract viewers from your work.

• Keep the camera steady – use a tripod, rest it on a tabletop or against a door frame.

• Avoid cropping the image too heavily after you have taken it. Fill the frame by coming in close to the work.

• Check for shadows or reflections. They can hide parts of your work and are distracting for viewers. Avoid shadows from your camera or yourself from falling on the work.

• Check your image on the screen at 100% resolution.

• Hire a professional photographer if you need to. Remember to let them know the image requirements.

And before you hit send, always ask yourself - would I be proud to have this image printed in a catalogue or viewed online?