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The Ultimate Guide to Photographing & Resizing Art for Submissions in 2025

By EntryThingy Team

The Ultimate Guide to Photographing & Resizing Art for Submissions in 2025

Getting rejected from art calls because of poor image quality is frustrating—especially when your actual artwork is excellent. Whether you're submitting to galleries, competitions, or building your online portfolio, high-quality images are essential.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about photographing artwork and resizing images for submissions, including free tools you can use today.

Table of Contents

  1. Why Image Quality Matters
  2. Photographing Your Artwork
  3. Resizing Images: The Complete Guide
  4. Free Tools for Image Resizing
  5. Common Submission Requirements
  6. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Why Image Quality Matters

Jurors spend an average of 3-5 seconds reviewing each submission. Poor image quality can result in immediate rejection, regardless of your artwork's merit. Here's what jurors need to see:

  • Color accuracy: Your digital image should match your physical artwork
  • Sharp details: Texture, brushstrokes, and fine details should be visible
  • Proper exposure: No blown-out highlights or crushed shadows
  • Correct size: Meeting technical requirements prevents automatic disqualification

According to a 2024 survey of gallery directors, 47% reported rejecting submissions due to poor image quality, even when the artwork itself appeared promising.

Photographing Your Artwork

Equipment You Need

Minimum Setup (Budget: $0-50):

  • Smartphone with a decent camera (iPhone 11+ or equivalent Android)
  • Natural indirect light (north-facing window)
  • White walls or backdrop

Professional Setup (Budget: $300-1000):

  • DSLR or mirrorless camera (Canon Rebel, Nikon D3500, or similar)
  • 50mm lens (f/1.8 or better)
  • Two daylight-balanced LED lights (5500K)
  • Light stands and diffusers
  • Gray card for color calibration
  • Tripod

Step-by-Step Photography Process

1. Set Up Your Space

Lighting is Everything:

  • Use indirect natural light from a north-facing window (if possible)
  • Avoid direct sunlight—it creates harsh shadows and glare
  • For artificial lighting: Use two lights at 45-degree angles to your artwork
  • Position lights at the same height as the artwork
  • Use diffusers to soften harsh light

Position Your Artwork:

  • Hang artwork flat against a wall (use a level to ensure it's straight)
  • Remove frame glass if possible to eliminate glare
  • If glass can't be removed, position lights at 45-degree angles
  • Use a neutral background (white, gray, or black)

2. Camera Settings

For DSLR/Mirrorless:

  • ISO: 100-400 (lower is better; use a tripod if needed)
  • Aperture: f/8 to f/11 (ensures everything is in focus)
  • Shutter Speed: Varies based on lighting (use a tripod for slow speeds)
  • White Balance: Daylight (5500K) or use a gray card for accuracy
  • File Format: RAW if available (more editing flexibility)

For Smartphone:

  • Use the native camera app or a pro app (ProCamera, Halide, etc.)
  • Lock exposure and focus by tapping and holding on the artwork
  • Turn OFF HDR (it can distort colors)
  • Keep your phone level and parallel to the artwork
  • Use a tripod or prop your phone steady

3. Shoot Your Artwork

Camera Position:

  • Stand directly in front of the artwork (not at an angle)
  • Position the camera at the artwork's center height
  • Keep the camera parallel to the artwork surface
  • Use a tripod to avoid camera shake
  • Fill the frame with your artwork (but don't crop off edges)

Take Multiple Shots:

  • Shoot at least 5-10 images
  • Bracket your exposure (take shots at different brightness levels)
  • Shoot a gray card or white paper for color reference
  • Review images on a larger screen before packing up

4. Post-Processing Basics

Even great photos need minor adjustments. Use free software like:

  • GIMP (free Photoshop alternative)
  • Photos app (Mac)
  • Snapseed (mobile app)
  • Darktable (free RAW editor)

Basic Edits:

  1. Crop: Remove background and straighten edges
  2. White Balance: Adjust to match your artwork's true colors
  3. Exposure: Brighten or darken slightly if needed
  4. Contrast: Add subtle contrast to make details pop
  5. Sharpness: Add slight sharpening (don't overdo it)

Before/After Check:

  • Compare your digital image to the physical artwork
  • View your image on multiple devices (phone, computer, tablet)
  • Ask someone else if the colors look accurate

Resizing Images: The Complete Guide

Most art calls have specific image requirements. Here's how to resize without losing quality.

Understanding Image Requirements

Common Requirements:

  • File Size: 2-5 MB maximum (some accept up to 10 MB)
  • Dimensions: 1920px (longest side) or 3000px for high-quality
  • Resolution: 72 DPI (web) or 300 DPI (print)
  • Format: JPEG (.jpg) most common; some accept PNG or TIFF

Key Terms Explained:

  • Pixels: The tiny dots that make up your image (1920 x 1080 = width x height)
  • DPI/PPI: Dots per inch (resolution for printing; 72 for web, 300 for print)
  • File Size: How much space the image takes (measured in MB or KB)
  • Aspect Ratio: The proportional relationship between width and height (e.g., 4:3, 16:9)

How to Resize Images (Without Losing Quality)

Method 1: Using PixelPrep (EntryThingy's Free Tool)

We built a free image resizing tool specifically for artists submitting to calls:

  1. Go to entrythingy.com/tools/pixelprep
  2. Upload your high-resolution image
  3. Select a preset:
    • Standard Gallery (1920px): Best for most submissions
    • High-Res Portfolio (3000px): For portfolio websites
    • Social Media (1080px): Instagram, Facebook, etc.
  4. Download your optimized image

Why PixelPrep?

  • Maintains color accuracy
  • Automatically compresses without visible quality loss
  • Optimizes file size to meet submission requirements
  • Free to use, no account required

Method 2: Using Free Online Tools

1. Squoosh.app (Google's tool)

  • Drag and drop your image
  • Adjust quality slider (aim for 85-90% for JPEGs)
  • Resize dimensions under "Resize" section
  • Download optimized image

2. TinyPNG

  • Compresses images without visible quality loss
  • Great for reducing file size while maintaining dimensions
  • Free for up to 20 images at a time

3. ILoveIMG

  • Resize by percentage or exact pixels
  • Batch resize multiple images at once
  • Maintains aspect ratio automatically

Method 3: Using Desktop Software

Photoshop (Paid):

  1. Open your image in Photoshop
  2. Go to Image > Image Size
  3. Enter desired dimensions (longest side: 1920px or 3000px)
  4. Ensure "Constrain Proportions" is checked
  5. Set resolution to 72 DPI (web) or 300 DPI (print)
  6. Click OK
  7. Save as JPEG: File > Export > Save for Web (Legacy)
  8. Set quality to 80-90%

GIMP (Free Photoshop Alternative):

  1. Open image: File > Open
  2. Go to Image > Scale Image
  3. Enter new width (e.g., 1920px)
  4. Ensure the chain link is connected (maintains aspect ratio)
  5. Set X/Y resolution to 72 or 300
  6. Click "Scale"
  7. Export: File > Export As
  8. Choose JPEG format, quality 85-95%

Preview (Mac, Free):

  1. Open image in Preview
  2. Go to Tools > Adjust Size
  3. Enter desired dimensions
  4. Ensure "Scale proportionally" is checked
  5. Set resolution to 72 or 300
  6. Click OK
  7. Export: File > Export as JPEG

Photos (Windows, Free):

  1. Open image in Photos app
  2. Click "..." menu > Resize
  3. Choose a preset or enter custom dimensions
  4. Save resized image

Batch Resizing Multiple Images

If you're submitting multiple pieces, batch resizing saves time:

XnConvert (Free, Windows/Mac/Linux):

  1. Download from xnview.com
  2. Add all images to the Input tab
  3. Go to Actions tab > Add Action > Resize
  4. Set dimensions (e.g., 1920px longest side)
  5. Choose output format and quality in Output tab
  6. Click "Convert" to process all images

ImageMagick (Free, Command Line):

# Resize all JPEGs in a folder to 1920px (longest side)
mogrify -resize 1920x1920\> -quality 90 *.jpg

Free Tools for Image Resizing

Here's a comprehensive list of free tools for resizing and optimizing artwork images:

Web-Based Tools (No Installation Required)

  1. PixelPrep - EntryThingy's free tool designed for artists
  2. Squoosh.app - Google's image optimization tool
  3. TinyPNG - Compress PNG and JPEG images
  4. ILoveIMG - Batch resize images
  5. Compress JPEG - Reduce file size quickly
  6. Simple Image Resizer - Easy interface, fast results
  7. Bulk Resize Photos - Resize multiple images at once

Desktop Software (Free)

  1. GIMP - Free Photoshop alternative (Windows/Mac/Linux)
  2. Paint.NET - Simple editor (Windows only)
  3. XnConvert - Batch converter (all platforms)
  4. IrfanView - Fast image viewer/resizer (Windows)
  5. Darktable - RAW photo editor (all platforms)

Mobile Apps (Free)

  1. Snapseed - Google's photo editor (iOS/Android)
  2. Adobe Lightroom Mobile - Free version available (iOS/Android)
  3. Photo Resizer - iOS
  4. Image Size - Android

Which Tool Should You Use?

  • Quick single resize: Use PixelPrep or Squoosh.app
  • Batch resize multiple images: Use XnConvert or ImageMagick
  • Advanced editing + resizing: Use GIMP or Darktable
  • On-the-go mobile editing: Use Snapseed
  • Compress large files: Use TinyPNG or Compress JPEG

Common Submission Requirements

Different platforms and galleries have different requirements. Here's what to expect:

Typical Requirements by Platform

EntryThingy:

  • Maximum file size: 10 MB per image
  • Recommended dimensions: 1920-3000px (longest side)
  • Formats accepted: JPEG, PNG
  • Automatic resizing and optimization built-in

CaFÉ (CallForEntry):

  • Maximum file size: 5 MB per image
  • Recommended dimensions: 1920px (longest side)
  • Resolution: 72 DPI
  • Format: JPEG only

Most Gallery Submissions:

  • File size: 2-5 MB maximum
  • Dimensions: 1920-2400px (longest side)
  • Resolution: 72-300 DPI (varies by use)
  • Format: JPEG (occasionally PNG)

Portfolio Websites:

  • File size: Varies (aim for 500KB-2MB for web speed)
  • Dimensions: 1920-3000px for high-quality viewing
  • Resolution: 72 DPI (web standard)
  • Format: JPEG (PNG for transparent backgrounds)

General Best Practices

For Web Submissions (Most Common):

  • Dimensions: 1920px (longest side)
  • Resolution: 72 DPI
  • File Size: 2-3 MB
  • Format: JPEG at 85-90% quality
  • Color Space: sRGB

For Print Publications/Catalogs:

  • Dimensions: 3000-4000px (longest side)
  • Resolution: 300 DPI
  • File Size: 5-10 MB
  • Format: JPEG or TIFF
  • Color Space: Adobe RGB or sRGB

File Naming:

  • Use descriptive names: Artist-LastName_Title-of-Work_2024.jpg
  • Avoid special characters: No !@#$%^&*()
  • Use hyphens or underscores instead of spaces
  • Include your name for easy identification

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Problem: File Size Too Large

Solutions:

  1. Reduce image dimensions (e.g., from 3000px to 1920px)
  2. Lower JPEG quality (try 80-85% instead of 95-100%)
  3. Use TinyPNG to compress without visible quality loss
  4. Convert from PNG to JPEG (if transparency isn't needed)

Problem: Image Looks Pixelated/Blurry

Causes:

  • Started with low-resolution image
  • Enlarged a small image (can't add detail that doesn't exist)
  • Over-compressed JPEG (quality set too low)

Solutions:

  • Always start with the highest resolution image possible
  • Never upscale images (make them larger than original)
  • Use quality setting of 85-95% for JPEGs
  • Re-photograph if original image is too small

Problem: Colors Don't Match Physical Artwork

Solutions:

  1. Calibrate your monitor (use DisplayCAL or built-in OS tools)
  2. Use a gray card when photographing for accurate white balance
  3. Adjust white balance in post-processing
  4. View images in proper lighting conditions
  5. Compare on multiple devices before submitting

Problem: Image Has Glare or Reflections

Prevention:

  • Remove glass from frames when photographing
  • Use polarizing filter on camera lens
  • Position lights at 45-degree angles to artwork
  • Use diffused lighting instead of direct light

Fixing in Post:

  • Use "Dehaze" tool in Lightroom/Snapseed
  • Adjust highlights/shadows to minimize glare
  • Clone stamp tool to remove small reflections
  • May require re-photographing for best results

Problem: Image Rejected for "Wrong Dimensions"

Solutions:

  1. Double-check submission requirements (every call is different)
  2. Verify dimensions: Right-click image > Properties > Details (Windows) or Get Info (Mac)
  3. Resize using exact specifications provided
  4. Some systems require exact dimensions (not "longest side")

Problem: Image Orientation Wrong

Solutions:

  • Rotate image in editing software before uploading
  • Check EXIF data isn't auto-rotating
  • Save as new file after rotating (don't just rotate the view)
  • Some submission systems have rotation tools built-in

Quick Reference Checklist

Before submitting your images, verify:

  • Correct dimensions (check submission requirements)
  • File size under limit (usually 2-5 MB)
  • Proper format (JPEG most common)
  • Image is sharp and in focus
  • Colors match physical artwork
  • No glare or reflections
  • Proper exposure (not too dark or bright)
  • Image is straight/level
  • Cropped to show just the artwork (no frame edges or background)
  • File named appropriately (includes your name and artwork title)
  • Tested on multiple devices (phone, laptop, etc.)

Additional Resources

EntryThingy Tools & Guides

Professional Photography Services

If you need professional artwork photography:

  • Search for "artwork photography" + your city
  • Expect to pay $50-150 per piece for professional photos
  • Many galleries offer photography services
  • Universities with photography programs often offer affordable student services

Learn More

Conclusion

High-quality images can make the difference between acceptance and rejection. By following this guide, you'll ensure your artwork is presented in the best possible light—literally and digitally.

Remember:

  1. Invest time in proper photography (good lighting, straight positioning)
  2. Use free tools to resize and optimize images
  3. Always double-check submission requirements
  4. Keep high-resolution originals backed up
  5. Practice makes perfect—your photography will improve over time

Ready to submit your work? Browse open art calls on EntryThingy and start applying with confidence.

Last updated: January 2025

Need help? If you're submitting through EntryThingy and have questions about image requirements, contact our support team at support@entrythingy.com.

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