Scanning refers to any process which captures images and converts them into a digital capture file. Most flatbed scans are low end performers, mostly reserved for black and white scans of line art or documents, as well as some smaller photographs. There are some high resolution flatbed scanners available, such as the Creo iQsmart 2 Scanner, that has the ability to perform a 4300 DPI optical scan. A scanner such as this can e used to scan smooth surfaced fine art pieces that are 12 x 18 inches or smaller. Flatbed scanners should not be used to capture textured originals. The lightsource on a flatbed scanner is a moving light bar, and is not conducive to excellent reproduction. Originals to be scanned, that are larger than 12 x 18 inches in size, are typically scanned by a scan back, such as the BetterLight Scanning System. A scanning system of this type can be adapted to any 4 x5 camera, and the capture resolution can be adjusted to your needs.

Beforehand knowledge of the type of print and the final print size determines the specs which your digital scan needs to meet. The type of scan chosen can limit the printing potential of the final, which is why pre-hand knowledge of the desired print type and final print size should be addressed. The actual purpose of the graphics determines what type of print is most suitable for your project. An early consultation with your PSP (print service provider) should outline what specs are needed in your digital capture file, meaning it will meet the requirements of their output device . Each output device has varying requirements, especially important to know when requesting large format prints and fine art reproduction. All quality scans contains true color accuracy as well as good highlight and shadow detail, called ‘dynamic range.’

Insights on basic components of digital scanning:

1. Lighting

Begin with a good light source, one that emulates daylight, full spectrum with consistent wavelengths. One such example are  Northlight Products, they sell professional continuous output tubes, called ‘daylight’ fluorescent lighting. These fixtures use full spectrum, continuous output tubes. The color temperature is consistent throughout the life of the tube. Full spectrum means you can count on accurate reflectance of the paints. These are not to be confused with ordinary office fluorescent tubes. Standard fluorescent tubes not a good light source because they dip in certain wavelengths. Although these dips are not visible to the human eye, it is clearly demonstrated by the overall inaccurate color reproduction.  Flatbed scanners use fluorecsent or LED bulbs, the latter eliminates warm up time for the bulb.
2. Scanners and other image capture equipment

The best digital capture back on the market is a BetterLight used for the large format graphics, shot with large format cameras such as a 4×5 view camera. The BetterLight resides where the 4×5 sheet film holder once occupied. The native hardware resolution of a BetterLight scan is 6000 x 8000 pixels or higher, depending on the model.; which is excellent. Although BetterLight scan backs are no longer in production, there remains plenty of them with photographers in the field of large format graphics.  Normally the approach to fine art reproduction is to capture the art at its original size, and measure your PPI at this size.  Match your Photoshop canvas size to the physical size of the painting for a 1:1 ratio, and see what your pixels per inch size is at this canvas size.

3. Optics play a role.

Back in the day, anyone doing copy work with film wanted  an APO chromatic lens. This made a significant difference in the quality of the capture. With today’s high resolution digital backs, the lens selection is more important than ever. The bottom line is if you want excellent copy work, then you need an excellent copy lens. Its still the old adage, “garbage in, garbage out.” The lens must be sufficient focal length to cover the artwork at the magnification you’re shooting it, and to cover the sensor that is  capturing the image.

4. Color profiling

To get consistent quality your photographer must generate an input profile for the camera scanner being used, such as the BetterLight. Your photographer must coordinate with the PSP (print service provider), and  generate a profile corresponding to the specific camera, specific lens, specific light source, and repeatable surrounding conditions when creating a capture file. This color profile is tagged on the image captured, controls the quality and keep the colors consistent. The use of color profiling is absolutely imperative.

If you have questions about a project you are currently working on or have an upcoming project which will require scanning, give us a call @ 1800.829.4562.