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Image Preparation



Digital Images (back to top)
It is essential that the digital images of your artwork are of the highest professional quality. The standards that apply to traditional slide documentation also apply to the digital slide format.

Image Specifications for CaFÉTM (back to top)
To apply to calls for entry through CaFÉTM, please size your images to the following dimensions:

Dimensions:  1920 pixels horizontal /1920 pixels vertical
File Format: Baseline JPG (do not use progressive JPG format)
Compression:  Please save your image to be no more than 1.8 MB in file size. On average, your image will fall well below the maximum requirement of 1.8MB. To determine the file size close out of your editing program, highlight the file and Get Info or view Properties.
PLEASE DO NOT SAVE YOUR JPG AS A PROGRESSIVE JPG FILE. Progressive JPGs will be read by the Web site. However, the large format images used during the jury will not be properly read if the files are saved as progressive files.
Media:  Internet submissions only.
File Name: JPG file names should include the correct file name extension, example: mywork.jpg

Please size your image to be 1920 pixels on both edges. This can be achieved by sizing the longest edge of the image size to 1920 pixels, then sizing the shorter edge of the canvas size to 1920 pixels, resulting in a file that is 1920 x 1920 pixel dimensions. The canvas background color should be set to black or you can fill with black.

             
If your image is vertical, please format with black vertical bands on the left and right. If your image is horizontal, please format with black horizontal bands on the top and bottom.
 

The Importance of Square-Image Formatting (back to top)
The CaFÉTM team would like to explain why this system requires a 1920 by 1920 pixel square-image format. The reason for the square format is that, unlike slide projectors that can display images in both horizontal and vertical formats, digital projectors, such as those used in the CaFÉTM system, can only display images in a horizontal format. ("Horizontal format" means the width of an image is greater than its height.) In order to address the potential size differences between projected horizontal and vertical digital images, the project team believes a squared format is most appropriate. Such an approach ensures that works of art presented for jurying are neither advantaged nor disadvantaged on the basis of the initial proportions of each image presented for adjudication. Please note that squaring an image does not remove any part of the image.

Following are illustrations of the problem created through a horizontal projection pattern and the advantages of squaring images.

Please see Figure # 1 below to observe the horizontal proportions of the available image space of a digitally projected image.

Figure 1
Figure #1


If the CaFÉTM system were to allow artists to submit images of any height and width within the confines of the standard digital-projector image space, images of horizontal works of art would have more projected space available to them than would vertically composed works of art. As a result, horizontal images would take up more of the available image space, and this could advantage horizontal works in the jurying process. Figure #2 is an example of how a horizontally composed work could use virtually all of the available digital-projector display space.

Figure 2
Figure #2


Figure #3 illustrates how a vertical image would be disadvantaged in this system without entry of the squaring process. The art works displayed in Figure #2 and Figure #3 have the same dimensions as the original works of art, however, without squaring, they are vastly different in size when projected.

Figure 3
Figure #3


Squaring images removes the space advantage that horizontally formatted art works receive in this system. Figure #4 represents the squared projected image of a horizontal work of art, and Figure #5 represents the squared projected image of a vertical work of art. Each figure is placed on a field of the projectable image space that has been reduced to a squared field with dimensions of 1920 by 1920 pixels. In addition, each image has been masked in black to eliminate any white space that could surround a projected image. The black masking also allows the image to pop out, as the black fades into the dark background during projection. The result is a fair and scaled representation of all projected images.

Figure 4 Figure 5
Figure #4 Figure #5


Equipment (back to top)
Use a good 4 or 5 megapixel digital camera. Do not use a camera below 3.2 megapixels. Always use a tripod to steady your shot. If you choose to take your picture on film and digitize from a negative you need to use good color film like Fuji Provia 100F (also called RDP-III) or Kodak Ektachrome 100 Professional or Kodak Elite Chrome 10.

Film and Lighting (back to top)
Lighting affects films at varying degrees. You may use a daylight film or tungsten film depending on the lighting scheme of your photograph.

Daylight films are color balanced to daylight and electronic flash light. Daylight film is commonly available at any supermarket or photography shop.

Tungsten films require lighting from incandescent (or tungsten) light sources and are harder to find. They are not available in a 35mm negative and can be found in specialty photography stores rather than at your local supermarket. The packaging for tungsten film is differentiated from daylight films by a T after the film speed, i.e. 64T.

Remember that if you are using daylight film you should eliminate other light sources, such as incandescent lights or fluorescent lights. These other light sources may 'contaminate' the illumination. In the same respect when using tungsten film, you should not let other light sources like daylight or fluorescent light 'contaminate' the illumination.

Preparing Images for Uploading (back to top)
Following are generalized instructions for formatting your images to CaFÉTM specifications. The steps will vary depending on the photo editing program you are using.
  1. Open the image file in the photo editing program.
  2. Go to the Image Size or Resize dialog box located within the toolbar menu options.
  3. For web purposes set the image resolution to 72 ppi or dpi.
  4. Set the image size to 1920 pixels first , set the canvas size to 1920 pixels second.
  5. Set the background color to black or fill with black so that the image is bound by black, either vertically or horizontally.
  6. Click Ok.
  7. Save As or Save for Web.
  8. Save it as a JPEG file format. Name the file correctly including the .jpg file extension.
Photoshop Tips (back to top)
The steps below indicate one method of formatting images using Adobe Photoshop, those proficient with the software may have different methods, we have determined these to be the most efficient for novices.
  1. If possible, it is best to start out with an original uncompressed image file that has been prepped and is at minimum no less than 27 inches or 1920 pixels after cropping, adjusting contrast, adjusting color, sharpen, etc. You will be adjusting these files to meet the image specification size by following the steps below. Jpeg files work fine if a raw or tiff is not available.

  2. Open the file in Adobe Photoshop.

  3. Go to Image - Image Size to open the Image Size dialogue box.

  4. 1st set Resolution to 72 pixels/inch; located under Document Size.

  5. 2nd set the longest edge, Width or Height, to 1920 pixels; located under Pixel Dimension.

  6. 3rd Click OK.
    1. Constrain Proportions and Resample Image are checked off by default.
    2. Leave at Bicubic.
  1. Go to Image - Canvas Size to open the Canvas Size dialogue box.
    1. 1st set the other dimension (W or H) to 1920 pixels, located under New Size: so that both Width and Height are now at 1920 x 1920 pixels.
    2. 2nd Click OK.
  1. Fill the extra canvas space around your artwork with black if it isn’t already filled.
    1. 1st select your paint bucket tool and set the foreground color to black in your tools palette.
    2. 2nd fill the white areas with black by hovering the paint bucket over the white space and clicking your mouse to fill.
    3. **You are almost done**
  1. Go to File - Save for Web to open the Save for Web dialogue box.
    1. Make sure the Setting is JPEG
    2. Quality should be at Maximum - 100 or no less than 70
    3. Click Save
    4. Leave all the other options unselected.
    5. Save Optimized image as JPEG in a folder that is easy to find on your computer.
    6. Name it something easy to remember, like cafeimage1.jpg.
    7. Click Save (leave all other options as is, i.e., format, settings, slices)
    8. You are now done with the first image. Now repeat these steps for the rest of the images you plan to upload to your profile in CaFÉTM.

    Image preparation guide (back to top)
    Click here to download a printable CaFE image formatting PDF guide. MAC users need to save the downloadable PDF to the desktop first, then click to open.

    JPEG Sample (back to top)
    Click here to download a sample jpeg. Right click and Save Target As to your desktop. Image file is 1920 pixels H by 1920 pixels W and can be used as a template to prep your images, if needed.

    Check image file size
    The final image file size must not exceed 1.8MB. The steps above will generate a file size well within this requirement. Do not use the file size reported by Adobe PhotoShop to determine the final file size.

    How do I find the final file size?
    Close out of Photoshop, find the image file on your computer or disc, highlight the image file and go to File - Get Info or Properties (MAC) or right click for Properties (PC). That's the final file size.

    Tips on Taking Digital Images (back to top)
    Taking a digital photograph instead of scanning a hard copy photograph or slide to digital format will yield the best results. Use at least a 3.2 megapixels camera. For best results we advise using a 4 or 5 megapixel camera. Use a camera that will allow you to save the image in a lossless format such as TIFF or RAW. This will give you the best opportunity to resize your image without losing detail. Once you resize your RAW file, you will need to convert that file into a JPEG. The JPEG format will allow that file to be uploaded into a Web entry like CaFÉTM. Try to use a first generation JPEG if possible. If your digital camera only captures images in the JPEG format, do not resize the JPEG--convert it to a TIFF before doing any resizing. This way, you will keep the maximum detail possible.

    Set your white balance on your camera against a neutral white source to give you a "pure" white color. Follow the instructions that came with your camera to set your white balance correctly.

    Slide Conversion (back to top)
    Traditional slides can be scanned and converted to digital format at most full service photo labs. It is better to have the original slide scanned because the color and detail has not been diminished from duplication.

    Most photo labs offer picture CD's that come with basic photo editing software(KODAK Picture CD) that saves images as JPEGs.

    You can also purchase a 35 mm scanner designed for scanning slides and digitize the image on your home computer.

    Digital Imaging Software (back to top)

    • Corel Paint Shop Pro
    • Adobe Photoshop Elements
    • Adobe Photoshop
    • Microsoft Digital Image Suite

    We recommend investing in a photo editing program that is comfortable for your needs and skill level.

    Basic Photographing Tips (back to top)

    • Photograph 2D artwork unframed to avoid glare.
    • Photograph 3D artwork with proper lighting techniques.
    • Use a neutral background to photograph any artwork.
    • Avoid background colors that distract from the work. Avoid harsh shadows.
    • Photographing indoors works the best.
    • The best way to take pictures inside is to block out all other sources of light (overhead lighting, sunlight, etc.) and use two 250-500 watt (3200K) tungsten bulb floodlights. These are inexpensive and worth the cost. They may also be rented. By placing one light on each side at a 45 degree angle to your piece, you should be able to obtain good results.
    • If you photograph your work in natural lighting, take your photograph on a clear day in the shade or in the shadow side of a building. This will eliminate possible glare.
    • Aim for true color representation and proper exposure.
    • Isolating the artwork within the camera frame is the most desirable and effective means of presentation. Move in close enough with your camera to let each piece occupy as much of the view finder as possible.
    • Do not crop out any of the work.
    • Do not float the object in too much blank space, although this can be digitally corrected.
    • Remember, your digital images will have to represent your originals. You cannot be expected to be an expert photographer the first time you pick up a camera. A little practice along with some helpful advice from a camera-shop owner or a knowledgeable, competent photographer may be all you need to produce excellent results.


    If you would like to recommend a digital imaging photo lab or helpful imaging tips and services, please email us at cafe@westaf.org