Graphics Reference
In-Depth Information
Choosing your camera
Your camera should not be a small consumer model, because these do not have
good depth of field. It must have optical (not just digital) zoom, capture images at 4
megapixels or better, and have a mounting hole in its base for a tripod. It should have
white balance features and an adjustable flash.
A standard white balance
screen allows you to shift how
your camera "sees" colors in
different ambient light
settings, from full outdoor
daylight to fluorescent or
incandescent indoor lighting.
Ideally, use a camera that has a raw file format option, not just JPEG. Raw
files contain all the visual information the camera captured, whereas JPEG files are
processed in the camera, where they are sharpened and stripped of “redundant” infor-
mation, which might not be redundant to you. (See the “Cleaning up digitized art”
section below for some basic hints on image editing.)
One last thing—you'll enjoy shooting more if your digital camera has a display
screen that pivots like those in the Nikon COOLPIX series, particularly if you'll be using
a copy stand (See “Setting the stage” below for more on copy stands.) That way, you
won't have to crane your neck to see the display no matter how you've had to mount
your camera.
Lighting
Lighting is very important because it will determine the range of colors you
shoot. The way the lights are positioned is also critical. If you don't have a copy stand
or a room with professional lights, try to locate a bright, day-lit room, and make sure
that any lights in it are turned off. If your artwork is framed under glass or reflective
plastic, take the frame apart. There's almost no good way to light a framed piece to
avoid hot spots and reflections. Place your flat art so that no shadows are cast on it.
(For 3D art, shadows behind or below are fine.) In general, avoid using a flash. It will
create hot spots and inappropriate shadows.
Another alternative if you don't have professional lighting available is to wait
for a dry but overcast day. The light will be nicely diffuse.
