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From: Classic_-_Concepts@cup.portal.com
Newsgroups: comp.graphics
Subject: Re: photographing screens
Message-ID: <24526@cup.portal.com>
Date: 28 Nov 89 03:38:48 GMT
References: <3777@hydra.gatech.EDU> <18678@watdragon.waterloo.edu>
  <1406@ulmo1.mt.luth.se>
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Organization: The Portal System (TM)
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  Re:  request for help on photographing screens
 
     I've done a lot of this.  From experience, here's what I recommend:
 
     1.  Ektachrome 100 or Kodachrome 64 (or similar low ASA color slide
         film).  Fujicolor 100 is also good for prints.
     2.  Approximately 1/2 second exposure but BEWARE, the amount of
         exposure can vary WIDELY with the amount of light and color
         values present in the image being photographed.  Meter for the
         image, then always bracket two extra exposures (take a +1 and a
         -1 exposure).  Slight underexposure yields more saturated color.
         Too fast a shutter speed results in diagonal scan lines showing.
     3.  ALWAYS shoot a TEST screen first.  This has two benefits:
            a)  the processing lab can set slide mount in the right spot,
                and adjust colors correctly for prints
            b) you can set up your camera on the tripod more accurately
         The test picture should consist of a SYMMETRIC image (or nearly
         so, this helps you and the photo lab) with primary colors in
         large blocks, some secondary colors and black and white, plus
         a large cross hair and border AND a rectangle and/or circle in
         the center which approximates what you seen through the lens
         of your camera.  If you line up only on the outer borders of the
         screen, it's not necessarily lined up--you'll find it can look
         'right' and the center might still be way off.
     4.  Always shoot in a darkened room; you may not see the glare, but
         the film will record it.  I shoot in the evenings.  I also cut
         out a black mask, from construction paper for the monitor, so
         the light monitor doesn't glare onto the screen.  You can buy
         monitor hoods, but personally, I think they're overpriced.
     5.  Use a small monitor, if possible, less curvature and more satu-
         rated color.
     6.  If there is more than one graphics mode, set it on the highest
         resolution (e.g., Setlace on an Amiga will double scan lines
         producing more saturated colors).
     7.  Try, if possible, not to create images that go right to the edges
         of the screen.  Unless you have very high depth of field, you
         won't be able to focus both on the outer edges and the inner part
         of the image, again because of curvature.
     8.  Remember to hide your cursor.  Sigh--I know this sounds obvious,
         but you'd be amazed how many people forget, they're so busy getting
         everything else perfect.  A cursor in the middle of a great graphic
         is an unpleasant surprise when you get your pictures back.
     9.  I've gotten best results with a telephoto lens or macro lens.
         70 mm seems good.  In the early days I shot with 50 & 55 mm and got
         too much distortion on the edges.
    10.  ALWAYS use a tripod and a cable release is a good idea too.
    11.  After every 3 or 4 shots, you should redisplay your test
         screen and recheck the viewfinder to see if you're still
         lined up.
   Even with all this preparation, you can expect uneven results.  I get
photos that range from above average to good (for excellent, you need a
direct film recording process).  Some of them even look film recorded, de-
pending on the resolution and structure of the picture being photographed.
Screen shots are good for meeting deadlines and creating proofs.  For really
high quality, send your diskettes to a service bureau, but get a sample first
I've found service bureaus that produce images ranging from very bad to
superb with a variance of only about 20% in price.                                                                      
                                                        \_                
                                                         )\_            _/
                                                         `/)\_     __  // 
        __ _____________________________________________  `\\)\_  / '~//  
       ///  Julie Petersen  (LadyHawke@cup.portal.com      `\\//\\/|'//'  
      ///           Classic_-_Concepts@cup.portal.com)      (\/Yyyy/'     
__   ///   The things he said have never been disproved,   /Yyyy/'        
\\\ ///   only dismissed.       --Peter Reich             //\\  LadyHawke 
 \\///   ______________________________________________  ///\\\           


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