PREPARING PHOTOS FOR PUBLICATION

by Joelle Steele

You should always ask the publisher for instructions before you prepare your images for their publication. But, in general, the following are the most common options for getting your images into a format most publishers want.

Scanning. If you have a scanner or have access to one, this is the best way to prepare your images for the publisher. Always scan art or photos at a minimum resolution of 300 dpi. Most scanners, even some of the older ones, can scan up to 1200 dpi. You may have to adjust the settings to make sure it is scanning at the proper resolution. If a photo is damaged (has a lot of scratches, spots, tears, etc.), scan it at a minimum of 600 dpi, as that will provide enough pixels for the photo to be electronically restored before it is published. Save your scanned photos in the same size as the original photograph. Save your scans as TIF files, not JPGs.

Digital Cameras. If you have a digital camera it must be one that allows you to adjust the QUALITY level to HIGH and the COMPRESSION to the level that generates the largest file size that your camera can make. If you do not understand how to do this, read the manual that comes with your camera or take it to a camera shop and ask them for assistance. If you do not set the levels correctly, your photos will look good on a computer screen, but they will not be usable by your publisher's printing process.

35mm Camera. If you have a tripod or a very steady hand, and you also have the proper lenses for duplicating photos, you may be able to photograph your photograph(s). Always use color film, print or slide, even if the photos you are duplicating are black and white. You can send the negatives, slides, or prints to your publisher. Most publishers will only want a digital image, so you will have to scan.