Welcome to Gaia! ::

So...I'm a complete noob when it comes to scanning film shots onto my computer. Last time I did it, I merely slapped the prints on the scanner and scanned them in. When they came back really bad I blamed the scanner. But I'm starting to suspect that it was my method of scanning them.

This is a really embarrassing question to ask for a mod in a photo guild, I probably should know this...but...well, I don't. gonk

My question is: How does one scan film shots into their computer to get the best quality. In other words, what method do you use to get the best quality scans...I heard something about scanning negatives. Whats with that? Thanks for help if I get some.

Yeah...I realized a bit too late after I'd ordered the prints that if I wanted to scan them I should have gotten matte. So that would explain some of it. I'll look into that scanner thing, thanks.

That's not a bad idea...come to think of it I think the lab that I go to does offer that..thanks.

I have a pretty good scanner, can get an extremely high DPI. BUT

If you are scanning, i advise using GLOSSY prints. This is because both color and contrast will be captured much better than matte prints (atleast from my scanning experience). HOWEVER...there are many plus and negative sides to using matte or glossy prints...

Glossy:

+ Better color/contrast
+ Dries flat - no needing to flatten the print afterwards
+ Easier to clean IMO
- prone to scratches and dust
- Requires photoshop to remove scratches and dust
- Does require a scanner that scans at around 300 DPI

Matte:

+ Less prone to scratches and dust
+ No glare if you have a love DPI scanner
- Doesnt dry flat = harder to work with
- Color/contrast isn't as deep


Personally, would rather photoshop out scratches and dust than work with contrast. If you have to edit contrast in photoshop, photos will become more grainy and usually less sharp. If you want a "dreamy" like photoscan, then matte would be better for that. If you want a sharp photoscan, glossy would be better. I would always choose glossy over matte from my personal scans, but if you can get a negative scanner than your right on the money for an amazing scan.

If you want helpful tips on how to get the best scan, especially if you have a large scanner like yourself...

- Set the scan to 300 DPI if you are hosting the image online. 300 DPI is more than enough
- Don't close the lid when you scan. Get a completely flat black posterboard that has weight. Put that ontop of the print as you would the lid. If you are using a matte print, put a paper weight or thin book ontop of the poster board to flatten the image.
- Prescan if you have the option
- Import directly to photoshop so you won't lose quality
- Save the .jpg image at the best quality (obviously)
- In photoshop, adjust contrast well, the scan is never dead on.


If you have question or anything let me know.