I know from calls and emails I receive that many of you are interested in the detail of how your images are scanned - so here it is...but remember if you need something different, let me know and I'll try to help.
- When your order arrives, I send a confirmation email if you provide your email address.
- Each original is loaded into the appropriate Imacon Flextight film holder - there is dedicated holder for each format and size. The surfaces are gently blown with a air blower (not an aerosol) to remove dust and then loaded into the scanner and a preview is created. Working from the preview, a range of scanning parameters are set to acheive a neutral, well exposed scan with maximum shadow and highlight information.
- The image is cropped as close to the film rebate as possible - but please note there may be a small loss of image area due to the way the film holders work and the format of the film. I will always try to minimise this.
- The scan is then made with no sharpening and a tiff file saved to disk. All scanning and post-scan editing is done in 16-bit, the result being saved to an 8-bit TIFF or JPG file at the end where this is needed. This means that data integrity is maximised throughout the process.
- The scan is checked for colour accuracy and density against the original viewed on an industry standard 5000°K daylight balance lightbox and any adjustments made. With negative film where there is no visual reference colour is set by eye to remove any obvious casts.
- Where cleaning is required, this comes next. This involves zooming in to 100% and removing any traces of dust, fibres, scratches, clusters of grain and other imperfections or 'artefacts'. Working methodically a 'panel' at a time any debris is removed with either the 'clone' tool or 'healing brush' in Photoshop. If the original is excessively dirty or extensively damaged and I can't acheive a clean version in a reasonable amount of time (this is rare) - the scan will be returned uncleaned and you will be charged for a uncleaned scan - I will try to contact you if this is the case.
- The finished file is then saved as an 8-bit Jpg, 8-bit Tiff or a 16-bit Tiff file depending on your specification.
- When all originals have been scanned and checked, they are written to CD or DVD and packed for despatch. At this stage I send another email to confirm despatch and provide a Royal Mail tracking number which you can use at www.royalmail.com to track delivery progress.
- Finally the scanned images are kept on disk for a calander month in case there are any data problems etc - after that time they are permanently erased.