Art Documentation

ART DOCUMENTATION

Lowy offers digital photographic documentation of 2D and 3D works of art. As a leader in fine art services for more than a century, Lowy understands the critical role art documentation plays in acquiring, restoring, loaning, selling and promoting works of art. 

Our photography studio was designed specifically to create high resolution, color accurate digital photographs that capture the subtle nuances of each artwork. In addition to our digital photography studio, Lowy offers on-site digital photography services to document works of art in situ.

WHY SHOULD I DOCUMENT MY ART?

As an art collector, one of the most important things you should do is maintain detailed records of your collection that include high resolution color accurate digital photographs. Following are some of the major benefits of art documentation:

CONDITION DOCUMENTATION

High resolution color accurate digital photographs document the current condition of a piece in your collection and are used to track its condition over time. Establishing and maintaining a documented history helps strengthen a work on the secondary market.

MUSEUM EXHIBITIONS

Collectors who loan artworks from their collection for museum exhibitions need high resolution digital files to verify condition upon return. The museum curator may request high resolution digital photographs for exhibit marketing and promotion.

PROVENANCE

High resolution color accurate digital photographs document any artist inscriptions, exhibition labels, auction labels and marks left by previous owners all of which are typically located on the back of paintings, prints and frames used to establish provenance.

COLLECTION MANAGEMENT

Art collectors benefit from establishing a digital catalog of their collection that includes high resolution photographs. Digital catalogs improve collection management and organization requiring less physical handling of delicate works of art.

AUTHENTICATION

Established authentication organizations like the Picasso Committee and The Comité Marc Chagall require the submission of professional digital photographs to verify the authenticity of an artwork.

ESTATE AND LEGACY PLANNING

Art collection documentation records are valuable tools when organizing holdings, preparing for valuation and making decisions about passing on works to heirs and institutions.

INSURANCE AND RISK MANAGEMENT

Insurers require high resolution digital photographs to establish condition and facilitate claims in the event of damage or theft.

REQUEST QUOTE

Is there a new piece in your collection that needs its current condition digitally documented? Do you plan on loaning out a painting for a museum exhibition but need to document its condition before it leaves your possession? Are you managing the catalog of a large art collection but don’t have any high resolution color accurate digital photographs for each piece? Lowy has you covered.

DON’T DOCUMENT ART WITH YOUR PHONE

There’s no question your smart phone is an invaluable tool. But when it comes to documenting works of art, your phone isn’t the right tool for the job. Art documentation requires professional photography equipment to create high quality digital photographs.

Smart phones are built with micro sensors, roughly the size of a pencil eraser, and use very small lenses that rely on electronic magnification to create a digital image. Professional studio cameras are built using full frame sensors roughly 40 times larger than the micro sensors used in your phone. Larger sensors and interchangeable lenses mean more data is captured and more data means superior quality digital images with high dynamic range, accurate color, finer detail, and file flexibility.

Don't Use Your Phone to Document Art
Avery Galleries Exhibit Space at the 2026 Winter Show in NYC

ART FAIRS, EXHIBITS & IN SITU

Art fairs, exhibitions and installations take a lot of time and resources to be successful. Why not make all that effort continue working for you well after the event is over by documenting it with professional photography and video. The digital assets created during a special event can be used in future outreach and promotional campaigns including social media, newsletters, video sales letters, websites and promotional materials.

Lowy offers several on-site professional digital photography and video packages to document your art fair exhibit space and gallery exhibition installation as well as works in situ for private residence collections, corporate collections and recent acquisitions.

  • On-site digital photography and video
  • High resolution color accurate digital assets
  • Travel outside Greater New York and Tri-State Area available

ART, IMPROVED.

Lowy offers guidance and expertise for our clients’ individual framing and fine art conservation needs. Providing our clients with the most comprehensive curatorial fine art services is Lowy’s north star.

Our consultants offer unparalleled knowledge and personalized assistance in everything from assessing the condition of artwork and recommending proper conservation treatments to providing aesthetically appropriate frames.

Lowy’s reputation for excellence is largely due to our staff of highly educated professional art conservators, artisans, museum-quality frame consultants, photographers and art handlers.

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