Professional Art Glass & Ceramic Photography

Specialist Photography for Glass and Ceramic Artists in London

artworks by Louis Thompson

Art glass and ceramic works are among the most challenging objects to photograph professionally. As a glass artist or ceramic artist based in London or the UK, you already understand the complexity of your materials—but translating that complexity into high-quality imagery requires specialist expertise in art glass photography and ceramic photography.

Glass is reflective, translucent, layered, and highly sensitive to light. Ceramics—particularly those finished with high-gloss or lustre glazes—present similar challenges, with glare, hotspots, and loss of surface detail. Professional photography is essential when presenting your work to London galleries, exhibitions, competitions, grant panels, and collectors.

The Challenges of Photographing Glass and Glazed Ceramics

artworks by Cosmin Ciofirdel

Glass reflects everything in its environment: walls, ceilings, windows, studio lights, the camera, and the photographer. Without precise lighting control, reflections overwhelm the piece, highlights burn out, and edges disappear.

Ceramic pieces covered in reflective glaze pose their own challenges. Uneven reflections and harsh highlights can obscure texture, form, and colour when photographed without specialist lighting. This is why professional art glass and ceramic photography in London is a highly specialised field requiring experience, patience, and technical expertise.

Why Professional Lighting, Equipment, and Backgrounds Matter

High-quality professional lighting is the foundation of successful glass and ceramic photography. It allows reflections to be shaped rather than removed, edges to be sculpted, internal depth to be revealed, and surface textures to remain visible.

Each artwork requires a bespoke lighting setup using multiple light sources, modifiers, flags, and reflectors. Professional cameras and lenses ensure accurate colour reproduction and sharp detail—essential for artist portfolios, gallery submissions, exhibition catalogues, press coverage, and online sales.

Clean, plain backgrounds—white, black, or grey—keep the focus on the artwork, while more dramatic or creative setups can be used when appropriate.

artworks by Jon Lewis, shot for Vessel Gallery

How to Prepare for a Successful Glass or Ceramic Photography Shoot

Good preparation saves time, reduces costs, and leads to better images—especially when working in a professional London photography studio or on location.

Before the shoot, consider:

• Which angles best represent each piece

• How many images you need per artwork

• Whether you prefer soft or harsher shadows

• Your preferred background: white, black, or grey

• Whether you want a clean catalogue-style image or a more creative or dramatic approach

Most importantly, thoroughly cleaning your glass or ceramic pieces before the shoot is essential. Dust, fingerprints, and residue are extremely visible on reflective surfaces and time-consuming to retouch. Well-prepared artworks make the session more efficient—saving you both time and money.

Photography That Helps London Artists Get Selected

artwork by Cathryn Shilling

I specialise in professional art glass photography in London and also

photograph ceramic artworks, working with established and emerging artists including Louis Thomphson, Cathryn Shilling, Angela Thwaites, Amy Cushing, Anthony Scala and many more, as well as leading London glass galleries such as Vessel Gallery.

Many of the artists I work with have been successful in applying for major UK and London-based exhibitions, competitions, and grants, including:

• British Glass Biennale

• Collect Art Fair (London)

• John Ruskin Prize

In highly competitive selection processes, professional photography is often the deciding factor. High-quality images allow your work to stand out when viewed by curators, selectors, galleries, and funding bodies.

A Client-Oriented, Artist-Led Photography Service

My approach is fully client oriented. You remain in control of how your work is presented. I’m here to support your artistic vision—not impose my own.

I’m always happy to advise on lighting style, background choice, angles, and presentation, and to help you decide what photographic approach best suits your work and professional goals. I will never force a personal aesthetic onto your glass or ceramic pieces.

Experience in Art Glass & Ceramic Photography in London

artworks by Amy Cushing

My experience spans 15 years of professional product photography, with the last 6 years specialising in art glass photography, alongside extensive work

photographing ceramics and other reflective materials.

I work primarily from my fully equipped photography studio in Park Royal, London, offering a controlled environment for professional glass and ceramic photography. I also travel to artists’ studios and workshops across Greater London and the UK when required.

Book a Professional Art Glass or Ceramic Photographer in London

If you’re a glass artist or ceramic artist in London looking for professional photography for galleries, exhibitions, competitions, funding applications, or sales, I’d be delighted to work with you.

📩 Contact me to discuss your project, request a quote, or book a shoot at my Park Royal studio or on location.Professional photography is an investment in how your work is seen—and often in where it goes next.

shot for Vessel Gallery