8 replies to this topic

[Bob8]

Hello,

I know a painter in Denmark, who would like to be able to put her paintings on the internet. However, to do this, she needs good quality images. How is this done, typically?

Thanks.

[Padge]

Hello,

I know a painter in Denmark, who would like to be able to put her paintings on the internet. However, to do this, she needs good quality images. How is this done, typically?

Thanks.

First question is what materials is she using, watercolour on paper, oil on canvas?

Are they behind glass, if they are is it easy to remove the glass?

What size are they?

[Bob8]

First question is what materials is she using, watercolour on paper, oil on canvas?

Are they behind glass, if they are is it easy to remove the glass?

What size are they?

Oil on canvas, typically. There is no glass or the glass can be easily removed.

Thanks.

[JohnM]

dimensions?

Flatbed scanner is best.

That is what Kenneth Wyatt does

see story wot I rote

[Bob8]

dimensions?

Flatbed scanner is best.

That is what Kenneth Wyatt does

see story wot I rote

Again, there is a wide variety of dimensions, but most would be more that 2' x 3'.

Thanks for the articles, an interesting insight.

[JohnM]

If the paintings are flexible, can be curved, then maybe you can find a scan bureau with a wide format or large format doc scanner. There are plenty according to Google. Maybe approach local uni, they may well have one somewhere.

Edited by JohnM, 13 December 2010 - 07:30 PM.

[Padge]

Oil on canvas, typically. There is no glass or the glass can be easily removed.

Thanks.

First thing there is that oils are quite reflective so try to avoid flash and try to use natural light.

Does she have a studio with a lot of natural light from more than one source? If so then just position the painting in the best even light and ensure its square to the camera (be wary of an easle is they tend to lean back, idealy hang on a will or use in easal but get the painting vertical.

What type of camera will be used, compact, SLR?

[Bob8]

If the paintings are flexible, can be curved, then maybe you can find a scan bureau with a wide format or large format doc scanner. There are plenty according to Google. Maybe approach local uni, they may well have one somewhere.

First thing there is that oils are quite reflective so try to avoid flash and try to use natural light.

Does she have a studio with a lot of natural light from more than one source? If so then just position the painting in the best even light and ensure its square to the camera (be wary of an easle is they tend to lean back, idealy hang on a will or use in easal but get the painting vertical.

What type of camera will be used, compact, SLR?

Thanks, Both.

Padge, the question would be what camera would you recommend? Presumably we are talking about having a camera on a tripod here as an alternative to flat bed scanning?

[Padge]

Thanks, Both.

Padge, the question would be what camera would you recommend? Presumably we are talking about having a camera on a tripod here as an alternative to flat bed scanning?

If she only wants them to be displayed on a website for advertising then any digital camera will do, from about 4Mpx up, a compact will be fine. Just ensure the flash doesn't fire. Though I would go for an SLR to give more control.

If she is looking for print quality for signed prints etc then an SLR with a lense of between 70mm and 150mm (portrait lens should do). A polarizing filter may be useful to cut down reflections from the oils.

Shoot from a tripod with a remote release or if no remote then use the self-timer. If you know how to and the camera has it available use mirror lock.

If the studio has a lot of natural light then use only that light, don't be tempted to use any artificial light with it as this will cause problems with the White Balance.

If the natural light is from above then use something white as a reflector under the painting or if the light is from the side do the same but obviously to the opposite side. you can play around with reflectors (white card or a white sheet will do fine) to balance out the lighting.

Edited by Padge, 14 December 2010 - 05:05 PM.