Alamy Question (Scanning prints)

04/01/2006 04:30:43 PM · #1

Hello everyone. I'm new to this. I actually just stumbled across stock photography yesterday and I've been doing my research on what sites would be the best. I have a great love of photography, just like my Dad, and I have a HUGE collection of pictures. I'm only 21 years old and I would like to advance this hobby.

The 'micro' stock sites, like Shutterstock, will only give you 25 cents (oh yes, they just gave everyone a raise hehe) per download, which is alright for some, but I have really been captivated by Alamy's site and the way they conduct their business.

The reason I'm writing is to ask if anyone knows if its possible to scan in 6x4 prints and make them acceptable to Alamy. I am currently waiting for my Digital Rebel XT to arrive and I'm very excited about that, but in the mean time, I have photo albums full of 6x4 prints that I believe are quite good.

If it is possible to achieve great scans that will pass the Alamy QC, can someone tell me the general strategy of what to do?

Here's some information about what I have to work with.

My scanner is the Hewlett-Packard G85 all-in-one. On the settings, the maximum scan setting is 4400.

I have Adobe Photoshop CS2. I also have Adobe Elements (which I've been using forever but its quite old now).

I hope this is enough for anyone who can offer advice. I'd really appreciate it. Thanks so much in advance.

Joe

04/01/2006 04:35:08 PM · #2

I don't know about your particular scanner but I do know that submitting photos from film scans is fine. Make sure you let them know that you'll be submitting scans though as it can make a difference on the QC.

Just make sure your scans are high quality, watch out for scratches, dust, spots, etc... I've also heard you dont want to use to much noise reduction in the scanner (ICE?), and don't over sharpen.

04/01/2006 04:38:10 PM · #3

Thanks for such a quick response. By film scans are you referring to scans of the actual prints or the negatives?

Which brings up another question: Is it possible to scan negatives with a flatbed scanner? As far as I've been able to tell, the answer is no.

Thanks again

04/01/2006 04:42:32 PM · #4

I meant scanning negatives, I guess you could scan an actual print but it'd be much much harder to get a high quality image.

Yes, you can scan negatives on a flatbed scanner, I've been doing it for years cause I was to cheap to buy a dedicated negative scanner. Most flat beds now days even ship with a thing to hold the negatives flat and straight but if you're careful you dont need it.

Might have to experiment with settings and stuff but you'll figure them out, there are tons of resources on the web too...

04/01/2006 04:46:37 PM · #5

Can anyone suggest a resource or tutorial that may be able to help?

Thanks

04/01/2006 04:54:41 PM · #6

Sorry, not where I can search the web for tutorials right now.

Throw a negative in there, set your scanner for transparancy if it has the option and give it a try, then tweak as needed.

04/01/2006 05:16:30 PM · #7

It seems like I'm out of luck. I looked at the HP software and it doesn't seem to allow for the transparency scanning setting. Not sure what to do now.

Thanks again

petrakka

04/01/2006 05:25:10 PM · #8

you can have a lab scan your negatives. scanning a print would only yield a file that would print a worse 4x6, so thats out of the questions.

a scanned 35mm negative is capable of achieving the file size required by alamy, however a 35mm slide will scan better, and high resolution lab scans aren't cheap. Your other option is to buy a dedicated film scanner (nikon coolscan 5000, minolta IV I think?) Most flatbads can indeed scan a negative, but it won't meet Alamy's quality or resolution standards.

04/01/2006 05:29:57 PM · #9

Thanks a lot. Perhaps I will check out having my film scanned at a lab. Otherwise I might just give that stuff to Shutterstock or something along those lines, who's requirements don't seem as high.

As I stated before, I'm awaiting my Digital Rebel XT. When I do get that camera, how hard will it be - assuming I take good pictures - to meet the requirements for Alamy?

I see many people on the forums passing QC, which is wonderful for them, so I am hoping that I can do the same. Are there any tricks or tips that anyone can give me?

Thanks again