Scanning images requires more attention to detail than just scanning pages of text. Here, we offer some guidelines for getting the best possible images from scanning.

• Make sure the image or the book are clean by wiping them with a dry lint free cloth.
• Find a scanner that meets your needs. Clean the glass of the scanner. Choose the scanning mode:
  • B&W: for line art or sketches
  • Grayscale: for black and white photos
  • Color: for color images
• Choose the appropriate scanning resolution: 
  • 300 dpi is usually good enough for presentations.
  • 600 dpi or higher is primarily for archives or master files.
• Choose the appropriate filetype:
  • jpg is usually good enough for lower resolution files.
  • tiff is primarily for higher resolution files.

Scanners in Visual Resources

The equipment managed by Visual Resources (in Green Hall 2-N-7) is primarily for use by graduate students, faculty members, and staff members of the Department of Art and Archaeology; exceptions can occasionally be made for other members of the Princeton University community, but not to the general public.

• Epson v800 photo (flatbed)
• Epson v750 pro (flatbed)
• Epson Expression 10000XL (flatbed)
• Scansnap (Bundle document scanner)
• Nikon super coolscan 5000 Nikon SF-210 (35mm slides scanner)
• Nikon super coolscan 5000 Nikon SA-21 (35mm film strips scanner)

If you’re a graduate student, faculty member, or staff member of the Department of Art and Archaeology, the department’s Photographer and Digital Imaging Specialist, John Blazejewski, is available for one on one or small group consultations regarding photographic equipment purchases as well as camera use and photography techniques. He is also available to answer a wide range of questions about research photography. Some things to consider:

• Do you understand what RAW files are and how they can help you in difficult lighting situations?
• What should you know about image quality vs. image resolution? RAW files vs. JPEG?
• How big should your individual image files be? 
• Are you better off with a point-and-shoot type of camera, or should you be considering a long-term plan of buying into a more extensive camera system going forward? 
• What accessories do you need to have? Which non-necessary accessories are nice to have? 
• Should you buy from Amazon or a recognized camera or electronics dealer? 
• Which cameras are better for photographing mostly outside in the daylight? Which are better for photographing in dark locations and dimly lit libraries?
• What are some good techniques to use for the location that you’ll be photographing in? 

Please email [email protected] to set up a meeting to discuss your photography needs.

Photographing in a museum

Before heading to a museum with your camera, always check the museum’s photography policy, which is usually available on the museum’s website. While photography is often permitted without flash in the permanent collections, it may not be allowed in temporary exhibits.