How to Photograph Your Artwork Using Only Your Mobile Phone

Because your art deserves better than blurry, yellow-lit photos.

The truth is, you don’t need a fancy DSLR to take great photos of your artwork. If you've got a newish mobile phone, you've got a fantastic camera right in your pocket. With a few tricks up your sleeve, you can capture crisp, vibrant images that do your work justice.

Whether you’re photographing paintings, prints, murals, or mixed media, this guide will help you get gallery-worthy shots using just your phone and a little creative setup.

For a long time, I resisted taking good photos of my artwork. I loved the process of creating. I even dabble in photography and own a fancy DSLR. But when it came to self-promotion, my photos were... pretty awful. Despite my passion, I struggled to capture my paintings in a way that did them justice.

Now, as a seasoned website designer and digital marketing expert, I’ve learned a hard truth: if you want to succeed online, quality photos aren’t optional. In the age of social media, audiences expect good photography. The good news? Most of us already carry powerful cameras in our pockets. Today's smartphones and tablets are more than capable of producing stunning images that showcase your art beautifully.

Why Your Phone Is More Than Enough

Modern smartphones come equipped with high-resolution cameras, smart sensors, and editing tools that rival professional gear.

Here’s why they’re perfect for artists:

• Convenience: Your phone is always with you—no setup, no fuss.

• Quality: Most phones now shoot in 12MP or higher, which is plenty for web and print.

• Control: You can adjust exposure, focus, and white balance manually.

• Editing: Built-in apps and tools like Adobe Lightroom make post-processing a breeze. (Adobe Lightroom has a lite version which is free and comes in both desktop and app format)

  
  

Use Pro Camera Settings (Yes, Your Phone Has Them)

If your phone has a “Pro” or “Manual” mode, use it! It gives you control over:

• ISO: Lower ISO (100–200) = less grain, sharper image.

• Shutter Speed: Faster shutter = less blur.

• White Balance: Adjust to match your lighting setup.

• Focus: Tap the screen to focus on the most important part of your artwork.

  
  

Tip: Always tap to focus before you shoot. It tells your camera exactly where to sharpen, and it makes a huge difference in detail. Once you tap on the camera display, you can drag your finger to adjust the light balance.

Phone camera focusing on an image.

Lighting

Lighting is everything. Even the best camera can’t fix bad lighting, and post-processing can only do so much.

Natural Light

• Best time: Late morning or early afternoon when the light is soft and even.

• Setup: Place your artwork near a window with indirect light.

• Avoid: Direct sunlight; it creates harsh shadows and glare.

  
  

Artificial Light

If natural light isn’t an option, grab a couple of daylight-balanced bulbs (look for 5000K–6500K on the label).

• Use two lamps at 45° angles on either side of the artwork to reduce shadows.

• Diffuse the light with a white sheet or parchment paper if it’s too harsh.

• Avoid mixing light sources; stick to one colour temperature.

  
  

Tip: I use an LED daylight bulb that is labelled 5000K (or natural daylight). These bulbs are inexpensive and perfect for art photography.

Composition & Setup Tips

• Shoot straight on: Avoid weird angles unless it’s intentional.

• Use a tripod or prop your phone: Stability = sharpness.

• Declutter the background: Let your art be the star.

• Frame it well: Leave a little breathing room around the edges. You can snug up the edges using the crop tool when you edit the photo later.

  
  

Tip: Cameras will naturally distort the artwork slightly. To avoid noticeable distortion, make sure you are shooting level with the artwork. Don't hold the camera above; aim to be straight on. Most mobile cameras have a little line on the screen to help you level your shot.

The Pencil Trick for Shadow Check

Before photographing, grab a pencil and hold it a few inches above your artwork. Look at the shadow it casts: if it’s soft and barely noticeable, your lighting is on point. If it’s harsh or angled, you may need to reposition your lights or diffuse them. This quick trick helps you spot uneven lighting before it ruins your photo.

Post-Editing Magic with Adobe Lightroom

You can use another photo editing software. You will want to find editing software that allows you to adjust by curve. I find Adobe Lightroom is easy to use, and I haven't found another editor that is quite as good. Once you've snapped photos of your artwork, it's time to polish it up. Many folks skip this step, but it's a game-changer for professional-quality artwork. Whether the photos are for your website, gallery, or social media, I highly recommend polishing them with a photo editor.

Use the Curve Tool

The curve tool lets you fine-tune contrast and brightness with precision:

• Lift the shadows: Pull the lower left of the curve slightly up to brighten dark areas.

• Add contrast: Create a gentle S-curve by pulling the highlights up and shadows down.

• Preserve colour: Avoid over-editing. Your art should look true to life.

  
  

Other Quick Edits

• Crop & straighten: Make sure your artwork is centred and aligned.

• Adjust white balance: Use the eyedropper tool to neutralize yellow or blue tones.

• Sharpen slightly: But don’t overdo it; grainy edges aren’t cute.

  
  

Photographing your artwork doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. With your phone, a couple of daylight bulbs, and a little editing, you can create stunning images that showcase your work in its best light.

Capturing your artwork in its best light is crucial for showcasing your talent. With just your smartphone and some simple techniques, you can achieve professional-quality photos that attract attention. Remember, it’s all about the right lighting, composition, and a little post-editing magic. So, grab your phone, set up your space, and let your art shine!