Which flash for XT-4 to home artwork photography?

[Michael Molina]

Hello everyone! I'm looking to purchase a flash for my son artwork photography on a budget. The idea is to take pictures at home (any ideas welcome too) of all his draws and then print them in a book. Any recommendations or suggestions for a good quality yet affordable option? I have an XT-4 with 16mm, 27mm, 18-55mm  and 55-200mm. 

Thank you in advance!

[jerryy]

Welcome to the forum.

You do not mention which country you live in, so you may not be able to find some commercially sold flashes that are available in other places.

I believe you will be able to get better results using a light tent with constant lighting than you will get using a flash. They are relatively inexpensive as well. But here goes:

https://www.cameraegg.org/best-flash-for-fujifilm-x-t4/

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/accessories/Flashes--Accessories-for-the-FUJIFILM-X-T4-Kit-Silver/1602231-REG-48200

For some tips:

https://www.iphotography.com/blog/flash-photography-tutorial/

https://shotkit.com/flash-photography/

Please read this next one:

https://digital-photography-school.com/photographing-artwork-tips/

 

Edited December 21, 2023 by jerryy

[Michael Molina]

On 12/21/2023 at 10:56 AM, jerryy said:

Welcome to the forum.

You do not mention which country you live in, so you may not be able to find some commercially sold flashes that are available in other places.

I believe you will be able to get better results using a light tent with constant lighting than you will get using a flash. They are relatively inexpensive as well. But here goes:

https://www.cameraegg.org/best-flash-for-fujifilm-x-t4/

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/accessories/Flashes--Accessories-for-the-FUJIFILM-X-T4-Kit-Silver/1602231-REG-48200

For some tips:

https://www.iphotography.com/blog/flash-photography-tutorial/

https://shotkit.com/flash-photography/

Please read this next one:

https://digital-photography-school.com/photographing-artwork-tips/

 

Jerry thank you so mucho for your response. I'm in United Estates and i'll take a look of you sent me! 

[jerryy]

40 minutes ago, Michael Molina said:

Jerry thank you so mucho for your response. I'm in United Estates and i'll take a look of you sent me! 

In that case, there are plenty of camera shops selling flash units that work with the X-T4, if you decide to use one in your project. KEH, Adorama, MPB, BHPhotovideo, etc, etc. Your local camera shop should be able to help you as well.

Edited December 22, 2023 by jerryy

[XrayArtist]

I was a commercial photographer for 55 years and shot several thousand oil painting, acrylics and drawings on 8x10 transparency film to digital. 
 

I would not recommend a light tent. For drawings The best method is two equal intensity lights at 45 degrees to the axis of the lens. You could use 2 high wattage diffused LED reflector floods in simple clamp sockets you can pick up at a hardware store for cheap. It does t matter whether they’re daylight or 3200k as long as they’re both the same color temperature. 
 

Without a macro lens I’d use the 18-55. Use a tripod if you have one and shoot around f8-12 and do a custom white balance  I’d also suggest shooting raw so you can easily balance color and adjust contrast. Your meter is going to read a white sheet of paper as though it’s 18% reflectance and will cause you to under expose. Bracket your exposures in 1/3 stops on the plus side. You can also use your shutter speed and ISO. Use your histogram to refine your exposure. 

You do not want a tent and do not want to use a single flash on axis of the lens. 

Drawings are a breeze, it’s oils and acrylics that are tough. 
 

Good luck!

The attached oils are huge paintings. 

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