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Comment by JohnFriel | Hacker News Reader

> So I love the idea, but to me it seems the challenge you face is how to present the art. Sorry I don't really have any great suggestions -- more views of each piece that allow for examining the technique? More careful lighting of the photos in a way the best complements the art? It is a big challenge and I don't have any great ideas.

I agree with you on this! We're planning to roll out detail shots and installation shots soon, and I think those will go a long way to helping viewers get a sense for the IRL presence of certain works.

Also, while we don't have a concrete plan for it yet, it's clear that some artists need help photographing their work.

> Very sincerely best of luck, I hope you succeed for your artists.

Thank you!

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John,

I think this is a great idea! This is probably not a core competency in your platform, but I can imagine a lot of artists don’t have a resource to get decent photos taken ( not good camera, or understanding of composition, etc). Would there be some way to partner with local photographers to have them come out using your platform to either connect or maybe even pay for it? For example, $50 for the trip out and to set up if within 30 miles, and then $20 per piece to digitize it with multiple angles and staging?

Either way, good luck with the platform and I’ve passed it along to my wife, who is an artist.

I would really hope that any artist remotely close to pro has some understanding of composition!

I used to photograph large-pieces for a local gallery. I wouldn't even attempt such a job for $50 + $20/piece.

Photographing large canvasses, color-balancing, processing, & etc. Is not a quick process and requires both patience, experience, and a decent camera/lens/lighting setup.

I've seen artists list their canvasses on websites using iphone photos, and that does nothing to advertise their work.

> Also, while we don't have a concrete plan for it yet, it's clear that some artists need help photographing their work.

Absolutely. Photography is it's own media, with it's own techniques to master. I doubt many painters are going to have the necessary lighting equipment and the know-how to use it. Not that they couldn't -- it's just not their media. Some assistance from a specialist would help a great deal.

That reminds me of how the biggest thing that Airbnb did for growth in the early days was offer to send hosts a professional photographer to make their flat look more appealing. I bet you could do something similar.

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