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Digital Image Preparation: |
The following should help
you with your digital image preparation. This information
was taken from WESTAF's site:
www.zapplication.org. and is
only a small part of what this site can offer you to help
you gain the upper hand in digital representation.
Preparing Images for
Uploading
Following are generic
instructions for reducing the resolution (making the picture
smaller) in a number of photo-editing programs. The steps
may vary slightly depending on the program.
1. Open the image in a photo-editing program.
2. Open the Image Size or Resize dialog box, which is
usually located in one of the toolbar menus.
3. For pictures to be viewed on screen, set the resolution
to 72 dpi
4. Dimensions need to be 1920 pixels horizontal or 1920
pixels vertical whichever is your longest dimension. The
image does not need a canvas.
5. Click OK and then Choose to save as.
6. Choose a file Format: Baseline JPG (do not use
progressive JPG format)
PLEASE DO NOT SAVE YOUR JPG AS A PROGRESSIVE JPG FILE.
Progressive JPGs will be read by the Web site. However the
large format images used during the jury will not display
properly if the files are saved as progressive files.
6. Compression : The image file size must be less than 1.8
MBs. To determine your file size please view the properties
of your image file size while it is closed. Larger is not
necessarily better.
7. Save as or rename the picture (For Inland Crafts - name
it using media/last name/first initail/number, on
application form, example: metalandersonb8.jpg ~ no spaces
and lower case)
NOTE: If your photo editing program does not allow you to
set the dpi or the pixels requirement, set the image so that
it is no larger than 12" on its longest dimension. Save it
as a JPEG with the instructions for labeling used above.
Photoshop 7.0 Tips
WESTAF experimented
with Photoshop 7.0 on a MAC G5 OS X to develop these image
sizing steps. Please note that these instructions are one
way to process your image through Photoshop. We advise that
artists experiment with their own photo imaging software to
develop the best process in sizing their images.
1. Download your image from your digital camera to a file on
your personal computer. You must use an image that has at
least one side larger than 1920 pixels. A 4 MB or larger
image is ideal.
2. Please save your original image in RAW/TIFF format.
3. Open Photoshop.
4. Go to File and open your image.
5. Go to Image, Image Size:
a. Make sure you are looking at your image size in pixels.
b. Make sure that Constrain Proportions is checked.
6. Take the longest side and size it down to 1920.
a. The shorter side will shrink down in proportion.
7. Save your image for the Web:
a. Go to file Save As.
b. Make sure your settings are for JPEG.
c. Name your image. (For
Inland Crafts - name it using media/last name/first initail/number
on application form; example: metalandersonb8.jpg ~ no
spaces and lower case)
8. Check Properties:
a. Right click (on a two button mouse) on the image icon.
b. Check image size.
c. If your image file size is LARGER than 1.8 MB, then
repeat step 7 using the TIFF you generated and increase
compression in the Save menu. Repeat step 8.
Tips
on Taking Digital Images
Taking a digital
photograph instead of scanning a hard copy photograph or
slide to digital format will yield the best results. Use at
least a 3.2 megapixels camera. For best results we advise
using a 4 or 5 megapixel camera. Use a camera that will
allow you to save the image in a lossless format such as
TIFF or RAW. This will give you the best opportunity to
resize your image without losing detail. Once you resize
your RAW file, you will need to convert that file into a
JPEG. The JPEG format will allow that file to be uploaded
into a Web application. Try to use a first generation JPEG
if possible. If your digital camera only captures images in
the JPEG format, do not resize the JPEG--convert it to a
TIFF before doing any resizing. This way, you will keep the
maximum detail possible. Set your white balance on your
camera against a neutral white source to give you a "pure"
white color. Follow the instructions that came with your
camera to set your white balance correctly.
Slide
Conversion
Traditional slides
can be scanned and converted to digital format at most full
service photo labs. It is better to have the original slide
scanned because the color and detail has not been diminished
from duplication. Most photo labs offer picture CD's that
come with basic photo editing software (KODAK Picture CD)
that saves images as JPEGs. You can also purchase a 35 mm
scanner designed for scanning slides and digitize the image
on your home computer.
Remember! For a $15 fee, Inland Crafts will
transfer your slides to digital format when you submit your
application. See jury application form.
Basic
Photographing Tips
• Photograph 2D artwork
unframed to avoid glare.
• Photograph 3D artwork with proper lighting techniques.
• Use a neutral background to photograph any artwork.
• Avoid background colors that distract from the work.
Avoid harsh shadows.
• Photographing indoors works the best.
• The best way to take pictures inside is to block out all
other sources of light (overhead lighting, sunlight, etc.)
and use two 250-500 watt (3200K) tungsten bulb floodlights.
You may also choose to set your camera to daylight and use
color corrected daylight bulbs. These are inexpensive and
worth the cost. They may also be rented. By placing one
light on each side at a 45 degree angle to your piece, you
should be able to obtain good results.
• If you photograph your work in natural lighting, take
your photograph on a clear day in the shade or in the shadow
side of a building. This will eliminate possible glare.
• Aim for true color representation and proper exposure.
• Isolating the artwork within the camera frame is the
most desirable and effective means of presentation. Move in
close enough with your camera to let each piece occupy as
much of the view finder as possible.
• Do not crop out any of the work.
• Do not float the object in too much blank space,
although this can be digitally corrected.
• Remember, your digital images will have to represent
your originals. You cannot be expected to be an expert
photographer the first time you pick up a camera. A little
practice along with some helpful advice from a camera-shop
owner or a knowledgeable, competent photographer may be all
you need to produce excellent results.
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