Photographing sculpture is a bit like photographing people. In some ways its easier because the subject doesn't move about (usually). On the other hand the lighting has to bring out all the surface detail and texture instead of smoothing it and removing wrinkles!

Portrait photography, sometimes in B & W, generally works best when the subject is doing something relevant. I like to put the subject in context (mise en scene), and with a typical pose or expression.

I normally find a plain black background works best, especially for translucent material, or where the piece uses light. For darker stone, or bronze, white or grey may be better, as for this piece.

Once installed, a shot in situ may give a more satisfactory representation of the piece, and a better idea of the size.

Shooting in situ also gives more opportunity to show how the piece relates to it's surroundings, and how it can be lit for evening viewing.

Here, we've used side-lighting to bring out the texture of the stone, but made sure there are no "hot spots" or reflections.

For large pieces, it is obviously better to shoot in-situ in the artist's studio or, occasionally, on location. Smaller pieces can be taken away and shot in my own. In this case, one small bronze has been shot from different angles to create a composite that can be used in a catalogue.

Here a sculpted seat and fire pit has been shown with a couple of sparkling glasses of champagne.

Hidden rear lighting was used here to bring out the translucent qualities of the stone.