How do I photograph flat artwork so the edges stay straight for print reproduction?
Asked 6/15/2017
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I’m photographing 2D artwork for print reproduction with a Canon EOS 700D, but the image keeps looking slightly skewed or uneven. What’s the best way to position the camera and artwork so the edges stay straight, and are there lens choices that help reduce distortion?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
9y ago
2 Answers
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Make sure you are taking the photo exactly straight on with the optical center of the camera aligned to the center of the artwork. Imaging a line passing perpendicular to the camera sensor going through the center of the lens and it should reach the center of your artwork.
To make this easier, place the camera on the tripod with a multi-axis level and adjust until it is level in tilt and pitch. Then place your artwork on a support and adjust it until it lines up as described above. It should take care of any skew but not distortion.
To avoid distortion, the only thing to do is get a distortion-free lens. Most macro lenses are designed to that goal but that does not mean they manage. Check out technical reviews of lenses to see how they perform in terms of distortion. For zoom lenses, distortion almost always varies with focal-length, so be sure to set the focal-length which minimizes distortion. These tend to be on the expensive side, so if you are doing this only from time to time, consider renting.
Originally by user1620. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1620
9y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
For flat artwork, the key is alignment: the camera sensor and the artwork must be parallel, and the lens must point straight at the center of the piece. Put the camera on a sturdy tripod and level it carefully in both directions. Then position the artwork so its center lines up with the optical center of the lens.
A simple check is to place a small mirror flat against the artwork. When the lens appears centered in its reflection, the camera is perpendicular to the artwork.
Use a longer focal length rather than a wide-angle lens, since wide angles exaggerate alignment errors. A normal or short-tele prime is a good choice, and lenses with low distortion are preferable; many macro lenses are designed with low distortion in mind. Prime lenses often distort less than zooms.
Because the artwork isn’t moving, use a tripod and remote or cable release so you can work at slower shutter speeds without shake. Avoid flash if possible unless you can control reflections evenly.
If the setup is square and the lens has low distortion, your artwork should reproduce with much straighter edges.
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