The first and perhaps most critical step in making giclée prints of your artwork is to create a “print ready” digital file. A “print ready” file is one that will faithfully reproduce your artwork without further adjustments. This is perhaps the most technically challenging work we do, and it requires a substantial investment to get professional results. In our FAQ section we offer some tips for photographing your own work to get “good enough” results. But most artists find that the amount of equipment and technical knowledge required to get excellent results is more than they care to invest. They find it is easier and more cost effective to have a professional service create their digital images.
Capturing Digital Images
There are two ways to capture a digital image of your artwork: it can be scanned or photographed. There are pros and cons of each strategy which I’ll discuss briefly.
Scanning Images
One of the primary advantages of scanning is that it can create truly massive and detailed digital files. Most large format scanners will scan at up to 1200 ppi which would create a file that could be printed four to eight times the size of the original. Since every square inch is scanned, the larger the original, the larger the file.
When photographing artwork the file size will be the same no matter the size of the original and is limited by the resolution of the camera. For example, we currently use a 50 megapixel camera that captures a file that would print approximately 20×30 at 300 ppi. But we get excellent results printing at 150ppi which would generate a 40×60 print. Practically speaking then, the resolution of our digital files matches the maximum capacity of our printers.
The primary disadvantage of scanning is availability. Scanner prices increase dramatically with size. A scanner large enough to scan a 3×5 foot original will cost at least $50,000 and I’ve seen prices up to $200,000 for even greater capacity. Because they are so expensive, scanners are primarily found in large cities where there is sufficient demand to justify the investment. There may be others, but I’m only aware of one company that offers large format art scanning services in the State of Michigan.
Photographing Digital Images
Because the cost of establishing a professional photographic copy studio is less than the cost of a scanner, these services are more common. However, photographing artwork is a unique and exacting skill so you’ll want to seek out a provider that specializes in this service. Not every professional photographer has developed the skills to do this work accurately.
One of the advantages of photography is that it is contactless. Most large format scanners have a glass bed that the artwork is laid on for scanning. This is not ideal if your work is textured or fragile. Some large format scanners are designed so the artwork is laid face up on the table and the imaging head scans above the artwork, but these are not as common.
The method of lighting impacts the results of scanning and photography. When photographing artwork, two light sources are placed at 45° angles to the artwork. This creates very even lighting across the original that tends to smooth out surface texture. Some, but not all, large format scanners can use directional lighting that can more easily capture surface texture if that is desired.
One final consideration is cost. It is likely more expensive to have a piece scanned than photographed. Most companies that offer large format scanning will charge more for larger pieces and will have tiered pricing based on the resolution you choose. We charge a base rate of $50 for our photography and proofing service regardless of the size of the original.
In summary, I would say that the best technology for creating digital images of artwork is a contactless large format scanner that can use directional lighting to preserve surface texture when desired. But it is likely you’ll have to travel a bit to find a company offering this service.
In most cases photography is a very good alternative. It is more readily available, probably costs less, and, when completed by an experienced photographer in a well-designed studio, will create a file that can accurately reproduce your original. If you need professional photography of your artwork, contact us at Grand River Giclée. We will be happy to help you with your project.