iStockphoto - Stock Photographer Training Manual

2.7 - Quality Standards : Scanning

Artifacts: Both high and low end scanners can produce imperfections or streaks into images, which can sometimes only be visible when the file is reviewed at 100% or printed. In this event, try rescanning the image, or you may need to upgrade your scanner.

Noise: Occurring most frequently in low light or shadows, commonly due to the quality of the scanner. Sometimes the problem of noise can be corrected by a noise reduction program.

Drum Scanning: For the highest quality scans there is no substitute for the drum scan. This specific type of method is a varied process from average desktop scanners, by working with transparencies and negatives against an acrylic drum to capture the finest detail at high resolution from the original image.

Over-Sampling: Oversampling is the process of a scanner scanning an image multiple times then combining the data to average differences. The benefit of this is cleaner scans especially in low light and shadow areas. This feature is offered by most high end scanners, but if you do not have this option you can manually scan the image multiple times with different tonal ranges, then post process the images together experimenting with blending and opacity settings.

Do Submit:
Original >>		Cleans scans, visible film grain acceptable
Do Not Submit:
Scan that appear fuzzy/out-of-focus Scans that have visible dust, hair &/or scratches		Scans with noise distortion

Thing to consider when buying a scanner:

· Resolution, (optical at at least 2,700 ppi)

· Maximum density, (quality of scan transparencies, optical 3.6)

· Quality of film carriers

· Driver interface

· Over-sampling, (to minimize unwanted noise & artifacts)

· Automatic dust removal

Tips:

· Keep scan beds spotless to avoid dust and hair showing up in your images

· Allow scanners to warm up for at least five minutes to get the best quality

· Use film speed under ISO 400, (100 being optimal) for quality scans

· Do not submit scans of 4x6 prints to iStock. 8x10 prints (particularly b&w) may be acceptable

Film Scanning Services

To simplify the process for our film photographers, iStockphoto offers you a very reasonably priced scanning, retouching and keywording service. Although these images will still need to go through the standard approval queue, they will be processed with professional drum scanners and experienced image enhancers.

Get more info

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