Making Certain Your Ice Sculpture Is Photo Ready

Posted on: 14 September 2016

Including an ice sculpture at an event is an eye-catching and memorable addition. Ice sculptures are intricate and unique works of art that take hours to prepare and are something that every party planner wants to have noticed. Most party throwers and their guests will take numerous photographs of the sculpture in an attempt to capture its beauty. Flattering photos are important to the sculptor and the host or hostess, but they are not always easy to get. Here are some tips to make it easier to get the best pictures when photographing ice. 

Consider the Background

Busy backgrounds detract from the beauty of ice sculptures. People and patterns will show through the transparent ice and may overwhelm the etching and details. Try to place the sculpture on a table against a wall rather than on a table in the center of the room. Black backgrounds help to highlight the sculptures the best, so ask the venue organizer if it is acceptable to hang a black curtain behind the table. 

Take Photos Early

Ice sculptures will melt throughout the event no matter what type of precautions are taken. Most sculptors inspect the venue early on to look for areas where the sculpture will be away from heat sources and bright lights to help slow down the speed of the melting. However, there is no way to stop it from happening. This means that the photos of the sculpture looking its best are usually taken at the start of the party. Remind guests to take their pictures early on to avoid disappointment. 

Avoid Flash Photography

The bright light of a camera flash will reflect off the ice and wash away details or leave flares that make it look less appealing. Make it possible for guests to turn off their flashes by lighting up the area around the sculpture. Good lighting will also help to highlight the details and add to the beauty of the sculpture. Use LED lights because they produce much less heat than incandescent or CFL bulbs. 

Clients should also speak to the sculptor or the representative of the company supplying the sculpture to see if they photograph their work before it is delivered. Businesses often do this in their own freezer with a backdrop and professional camera setup so they can use the photos in their portfolio. Companies are usually happy to share their photos with their clients because it is a great advertising tactic. Contact a company like Long Beach Ice to request an ice sculpture for your next event.

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