Digital images
Some work doesn’t need to be photographed, book spreads, brochures and posters can be represented digitally. You can create a nice presentation of your work on the computer using your original jpegs and pdfs, here's how:
| 1. | Export your spreads, pages, etc. as a pdf. |
| 2. | Create a new InDesign Document that is 1" larger than the full-size of the original document. |
| 3. | In this document create a master page that has (3) three layers. The top layer will have a foreground shadow (for book gutters). The middle will hold your imported image and the bottom layer will have any background shadows and other elements (stacked pages for a book). |
| 4. | Import your images (pages) into the InDesign document, one page at a time. |
| 5. | Export the new InDesign as a pdf. |
Professional Photographers
The most straight-forward way of documenting your work is getting it photographed. First ask around if there’s a photographer that photographs student work at a lower rate. Ask your professors, they’ll know what their students have done in the past. If you can’t find someone, try the photo department, they might know someone or have a talent student studio photographer. I emphasize the need to have the right equipment, that is why a professional photographer is your best bet.
Photographing Your Work
If you have to photograph your work yourself and own a digital camera that is at least 6 mega pixels, here are a few tips:
Self Timer: Use a self-timer option or a cable shutter release to take shake-free photos.
Tripod: Always use a tripod, you won't get a shake-free photo without one.
Lighting: If you need to utilize natural lighting, an overcast day is the best bet because it won't cast harsh shadows. The best option is to use two (2) lamps with low voltage. Use one lamp to point light at the object and one to reflect light from a ceiling of light reflector (cardboard with foil on it). The reflected light will soften the shadows.
Stage: You need to create a appropriate background to photograph your work. You can use a long roll of paper or a bed sheet (iron it first!). Tack the paper/sheet to the wall and have it roll onto a table top, so no seam is evident. Photograph the object at eye-level for visibility, unless you need a certain angle.
