Scanning Images for a Portfolio

Recently I was asked how I scan original artwork for my web portfolio. This is a complex question to answer but I thought I would try it. Of course, there are many different scanners and kinds of software available to scan and edit your work.  I used an Epson Workforce scanner with its software and Photoshop CS5. 

When beginning the scanning process I try and remember to clean the scanner bed. I use a spray glass cleaner (spray the cloth, not the scanner bed) and a soft brush. Next, I place the image face down on the bed with the image closest to the arrow on the side of the bed and I close the scanner lid. Going to my computer, I open the scanner software. In the software window, I check my settings. I have the document type set at reflective, the image type at 24-bit color, and the resolution set at 300dpi.

*A little about resolution: 300dpi is required for print images and 72dpi is the minimum for the web. I scan at the higher resolution and reduce the size later.

In the scanning software window, I select the preview button. I then select the area of the image I want to scan using the selection tool (it usually looks like a “+”).  At this point, the image may need adjusting, (remember the final image is only as good as the original scan) I use the adjustment tools available with the scanner software. In this case, I used curves, levels and unsharpen mask. Levels adjusts tonal range and color balance (great for contrast), Curves adjusts tone and unsharpen mask sharpens the image without creating pixilation. The adjustments I choose are specific to each image and can be reverted to the original at any time. When I am pleased with the image I scan then save it as a jpeg to the image folder and name the image. At this point, I could rescan the image at a low resolution and save it to use for a web portfolio. For someone unfamiliar with editing software this could work, but for the best possible image quality, I continue editing my image in Photoshop. 

After the image is scanned and saved, I open it in Photoshop. First, I unlock the image by double clicking the layer in the layers panel. I duplicate the image layer to adjust it without changing the original. For my image, I wanted the background a little richer to match the original more closely. Again, I adjust the tone, brightness/contrast, and levels in the adjustments tab of Photoshop. I changed the canvas size (image>canvas size), next I enlarge the image using the transform tool (edit tab>free transform). This image seems to need a more even border and I can handle this two ways. I could cut and paste more of the sepia border on the other side of the torso but I chose to use the clone stamp tool to continue the edge. The clone tool is useful for areas of color that need smoothing or cleaning up the odd speck of dust but you need to use it carefully and sparingly.

When the image looks good, I save the Photoshop file at the same 300dpi resolution. Then I save the image as a jpeg file at a resolution of 300dpi and then at 150dpi (image>image size).  I save the jpegs and rename the smaller file as low resolution. This way I can easily locate it later. Now I have three files that I can use in the future for the web or print projects.