GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

Yes, reflections can be a problem, especially on the pages that I used metallic paper...plus the photos are glossy! I will keep your suggestions in mind when I start this project. Thank you.

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

I would love to view your book. I have done digital scrapbooks with the digital images for the younger boys. I used Creative Memories software that is no longer available. Also, I have done books with Shutterfly. Thank you for sharing.

User ID

Soft boxes are rather troublesome for copying. Directional lighting, arranged symmetrically, is key. If soft is all that you have, make some snoots for them.

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

I can do that. Thanks!

Najataagihe

First, please accept my condolences.


Next, if suspending the camera under a tripod, put it on a table and buy a 7-inch torpedo level.

Place it across the lens and level it.

Rotate it 90 degrees around the lens and level.

Repeat until it is dead level.

You are now square with the tabletop.

Place picture on table between tripod legs.

Stop lens down for greater depth of field and use flash placed to the side at 45 degrees to the tabletop.

Experiment with aperture and flash settings until you get what you want.

Once locked down, snap away!

fetzler Loc: North West PA

You can actually use a variety of lights. I have used photofloods (these are old fashioned and super hot), electronic flashes and regular light bulbs (High CRI Led lights are fine), and LED light panels. If you are using copy stand it may have light fixtures built in. You will need two lights placed at a 45 degree angle from plane of the image. This will create even lighting and reflections will not come into the camera. I have light stands for works on a wall or easel. Using your camera light meter and a sheet of paper verify lighting is even. Flashes work just fine but are a little harder to get right. (remember you will need two with diffuses - Kleenex may be OK) You will of course need a tripod unless you use a copy stand.

After studying your lenses I think the 85 mm has the best shot to work. Longer focal lengths are less likely to give you distortion issues. If the lens is is too long the working distance becomes so long that the set up won't fit in the room. Zoom lenses are not a great choice as these likely have the greatest distortion. Don't forget you can rent a macro lens with an 80-100mm focal length . (assuming FX or DX format camera)

Adobe Acrobat is for document creation and is available by subscription. The Acrobat distiller component allows one to make a press ready pdf file. Using Microsoft Publisher may also be a good route also for setting up the pages you could also add a title page , forward, etc to the document. The output can a pdf file. Some printers can use your publisher file directly. Foxit Editor appears to be a full featured competitor to Acrobat ( https://www.foxit.com/shopping/) at a cheaper price. The Idea is to get an electronic copy that has formatted pages for book printing or electronic viewing.

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

The sample shots I did with the 85 mm and they were placed on the floor. I had to get quite far away to get the whole image in the frame. It might be easier to put the page on an easel against the wall. I have light stands and I do have a couple of LED lights that I could use. Thanks for the tips on how to set up the lights.

I will look into the software choices you mentioned.

I’m now wondering if I need to make the images wider to allow for a binding edge.

smussler Loc: Land O Lakes, FL - Formerly Miller Place, NY

Before doing all that, first check if table top is level. Have an older house? With settling, even the floors may not be level.
I just moved into a new house with ceramic tile floors, needed some shims to get my dinning room table to sit level, or at least stop rocking - 3 legged pedestals on each half of the table.
Good luck with your project, getting ideas here for how to share about 30 years of my dads family 35mm slides.

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

Ok, I think there’s a level like that around here (I had to google it). I’m hoping this tripod method will work because a copy stand with lights is $340 plus. The whole idea to photograph is to save the gist of scanning. Plus, I’m thinking that the results will be better. Thanks for these instructions.

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

That’s true. Most houses, old or new are not level nor square. With settling, we’ve had to readjust doors. Hanging pictures and window treatments was always a challenge to get straight as well.

It seems a lot of hoggers have done projects like this. I knew I would get a lot of help here. Thanks for your input.

RodeoMan Loc: St Joseph, Missouri

Thank you so much. Good luck with your project.

User ID

Much fine advice throughout the thread. Follow it as much as is possible but don’t be intimated by perfectionism. The first photo below is a quick copy job by phone, lit by the room’s overhead lighting fixture. It was made to illustrate a question in a phone conversation, just a family matter, not for any aesthetic purposes, and yet it looks great. All PP was done in the phone. Original is a small print, about 5x7”.

The second image below is also a copy by phone, of a large print on a hallway wall in a public place, done with dim ambient lighting. Copying can be far less scientific than some geeks will insist, but acoarst be as “scientific” as is practical (for you).
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(Download)


(Download)

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

Thank you. Great job. I especially like the 2nd picture. The phones are quite amazing nowadays.

joecichjr Loc: Chicago S. Suburbs, Illinois, USA

My condolences Lovely shots of a hearty, exemplary husband and companion
🌀☀️💞☀️🌀

GrandmaG Loc: Flat Rock, MI

Thank you! He was very good to me.