Documenting Your Work
Art documentation is no longer just for archiving. In today’s digital age, it is a vital part of professional practice, helping artists build visibility, share their work and access new opportunities. Capturing both process and outcome preserves the creative development as well as the final work, extending the life of projects and providing material for promotion, funding and applications. Behind-the-scenes moments also draw audiences into the process, building excitement and anticipation in the lead-up to a production.
In our latest Platform Series, we chat to Georgia Haupt of G Docs about her journey into art documentation, the importance of process-led storytelling, and how professional documentation helps artists share their practice and expand their impact.
Can you tell us about your journey into documentation and arts?
My passion ignited at 14 when I first picked up a camera in media class. I've been capturing people and stories ever since! A real pivotal moment came when I attended a 'Sandpit' workshop facilitated by Jag Popham at Studio 1 in Brisbane back in 2023. I brought my camera to document the session, and those images were eventually published by Dance Australia online. That workshop became the catalyst for my specialisation in performing arts documentation and my ongoing work with Studio 1. Studio 1 director Lisa Wilson and former producer Maisie Crosdale [now the producer of Metro Arts], kick started my now rich and growing network of creatives in the performing arts sector. It is really amazing what might happen by simply showing up and putting your work out there.
Image: Golden Thursdays | Workshop with Leonardo Cremaschi from Ballet Preljocaj | Thomas Dixon Centre | 2025
What led you to start G Docs?
After refining my focus on artists' creative processes, I reached a critical juncture where I recognised the need to evolve strategically as a creative business. G Docs emerged from this transformation. It was a response to both my professional growth and the specific needs I was seeing in the creative community.
I realised my audience required a comprehensive approach: photography, videography, and content editing delivered by someone with intimate understanding of how works are devised and developed. Artists need a collaborator who knows not just what to capture, but how to capture it and why it will generate a meaningful impact. G Docs represents this evolution; a focused practice built around supporting artists with the documentation they need to thrive in today's creative landscape.
Why is art documentation important for artists today?
Documentation has become essential for two critical reasons. First, today's digital landscape requires artists to maintain a meaningful online presence, and process documentation offers the most authentic and engaging way to connect with audiences. Second, as partnership and sponsorship becomes increasingly competitive, people are looking to support projects with demonstrated viability. Professional documentation provides that crucial evidence of an artist's capability and vision.
Beyond these practical considerations, quality documentation immediately elevates an artist's professional standing. When artists can visually communicate their story with clarity and professionalism, they position themselves to attract the support, opportunities, and recognition their work deserves.
Image: Zen Zen Zo Physical Theatre Company | Directed by Indiah Morris | Holy Trinity Church, Fortitude Valley
How can good documentation attract new funding and opportunities?
Professional documentation is the most effective way to communicate your artistic worth and project viability. Quality imagery and video content immediately establish credibility and demonstrate that you approach your practice with professionalism. These are qualities that potential sponsors, partners, venues, and collaborators actively seek when making investment decisions.
When should artists start thinking about documentation?
Documentation should be integrated into project planning from day one. Too often, artists only consider documentation when approaching their final performance or exhibition. By then, budgets are exhausted and opportunities to capture the full creative journey have been lost.
Why should artists consider investing in a professional photographer to capture their work?
Investing in a professional for the documentation of your work is an investment in your artistic future. Professional documentation creates a bank of digital assets that work for you long after your project concludes. These assets support your applications and pitches, your marketing material, and career development opportunities you haven't even imagined yet. Investing in a professional also means that you can focus entirely on your practice. There’s a great deal of value in having that clarity and peace of mind, because we all know how often artists are wearing many many hats!
Image: Clare Dark | 2025
What tips do you have for artists preparing to document their work?
My three essential recommendations:
- Budget for professional documentation from the outset. Treat it as a core project expense, not an afterthought.
- Document your process, not just your final presentation. The creative journey often tells a more compelling story than the finished work alone.
- Be prepared to share your story verbally. The most powerful documentation combines compelling visuals with authentic artist insights, typically captured through interviews.
I share specific, actionable documentation tips every second Wednesday on my Instagram for artists looking to deepen and diversify their approach to documentation.
How can people connect and work with you?
The best way to connect is through Instagram and email [[email protected]].
I understand that getting someone to document your creative process can feel vulnerable, so I am always open to scheduling a conversation before any shoot. This allows artists to share what their work means to them, and communicate their comfort levels and specific needs. I approach every project as a collaboration. Even when my role is to be a fly on the wall, building trust and understanding with each artist is fundamental to creating documentation that truly serves their vision and goals.
→ Visit www.gdocs.co
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