SErvice
Art Photography / Image Capture
If you want a high-quality digital image of your artwork that captures every subtle detail and accurately represents the physical artwork, you need a dedicated studio like Old Town Editions. We specialize in art reproduction, and our equipment reflects that. We treat each piece of artwork individually, creating a custom setup and lighting scenario based on the needs of each piece. Texture, metallics, high-gloss varnish, frames, and oversize artwork are all things we’re prepared to handle without issue.
Large, High-Res Files
Average file size is 250-300MB, depending on the proportions of the original artwork
Exquisite Detail
Our image capture system captures details barely visible to the human eye
Myriad Uses for Files
Our files can be used for printing, digital catalogs/webstores, and so much more
Artwork by Michael Petty
Our Setup
We use the best digital image capture equipment available for the reproduction of art and artifacts of all sizes. Our image capture system is a Better Light Super 6K digital scanning back paired with a Cambo Legend 4×5 view camera. For lighting, we use two 900-watt North Light copy lights. Both the lights and the camera have polarization filters to eliminate glare. With this system, we can capture every detail of your artwork, even details barely visible to the human eye.
High gloss varnish and metallic paints are not an issue with our system. Our filters allow us to control polarization to eliminate problematic glare and allow metallics to properly shine.
Capturing artwork that has been framed is also typically not an issue. We’ll let you know if we think the frame is going to compromise the quality of the image capture. This is generally only the case if the inside of the glass is very dirty, if the glass is foggy, or if it’s a very deep frame that will create significant shadows.
Whether your artwork is pocket-sized or 9′ long, we can handle it. We shoot all artwork as large as possible with our equipment.
Better Light’s digital scanning backs do not capture an image of the subject in front of the camera all at once, but rather by physically moving a unique, highly-optimized trilinear color image sensor smoothly across the image plane, building up the image one line per color at a time.
Pricing for Image Captures
Artwork under 5 feet: $75 each
Artwork 5 feet and over: $125 each
Metallic paint/leaf: +$15
File Delivery
We’ll give you your files in three different sizes. You’ll get the full size file, a medium tif suited for business cards and similar small print projects, and a small jpeg for web and e-mail use. Files can be delivered digitally via download link, on a USB drive, or a CD/DVD.
About our Files
No matter what size your artwork is, we will completely fill the frame to get you the largest file possible. The higher cost for artwork 5′ and over accounts for capturing the artwork in two sections and digitally merging them for a larger file.
We make minor on-screen adjustments to ensure that your file matches the original, but this does not guarantee that a print from that file will be a perfect match. If you want to print with us, we require a file preparation to ensure a print match, which you can find pricing and information about here.
FAQ
How do I get started?
iIf you’re ready to start digitzing your artwork, or would like a more in-depth consultation, just let us know! You can reach us at 703-684-0005, or via e-mail at info@oldtowneditions.com. We do require appointments, so please reach out if you’d like to set up a time for a consultation or to drop off your artwork.
How do I get Discounts?
For standalone image captures, the only way to get discounts is to bring in 10 or more pieces at the same time. If you bring in 10+ pieces, the price will be discounted to $60 each. Please note, this discount does not apply to oversize pieces (5′ and over). Custom pricing is available to orders of significant volume, determined on a case-by-case basis.
What if I lose my files?
If you lose your files, or forget to download them before the download link expires, don’t worry! We keep your files safely archived in our system, and can resend them at any time.
Can I photograph my artwork myself?
Photographing artwork is not a simple task, and if your goal is to create high-quality reproductions it is absolutely worth investing in having a professional photograph your artwork for you. Our studio setup is highly specialized for digitizing artwork, ensuring we eliminate common file quality issues like glare, uneven lighting and poor focus.