*
Today I am going to show you how simple it is to get detailed images of 3 dimensional objects using a scanner. Below is a gif animation with the 3 basic steps. Then you can keep scrolling down for more details.
MORE DETAILS:
I have used several scanners over the years, but my favorite is the Epson B11B189011 Perfection V500 Photo Scanner
Now, I will explain how you can scan 3-D objects using this machine. The first step is to open the scanner as shown in the picture above, and leave it open like that ↑
The second step is to carefully place the 3 dimensional object with the side that you want to capture facing down. Before you do this, make sure that the glass is really clean.
The third step is to cover the object with a box. This box doesn’t come with the scanner. I built it using black foam board. See it below in more detail:
The most important thing about this box is to make sure that it covers all the area around the glass. The blue tape is just for decoration. Once the box covers the object, you’re ready to hit scan. I always do it at 300 dpi to make sure that I get lots of detail. But this scanner allows you to scan at a higher resolution if you need an even larger file.
Here is the result ↑ I must say that the original image tends to come out dark. You will need to do some basic editing to brighten it up a bit as I did here. The detail is amazing. My original background was white, I placed a sheet of white paper inside the box. But white always comes out blue. See the box with the white background below:
I like the blue color that comes out from the white background, so that is not a problem. But I also love black, see the image below. I have tried other colors as well but my favorite are white (blue) and black. See how beautiful black looks. Black gives you lots of depth.
Here are some more details about this scanner provided by Epson: “The Epson Perfection V500 Photo offers extraordinary quality and versatility with 6400 dpi resolution and a LED light source for greater productivity — all at an amazing value [it is true, the price is very good fo what you get]. Remove dust and scratches from slides, negatives and film. Or, restore faded color photos with one touch. Then, take your photos further with the included Adobe® Photoshop® Elements. When it’s time to archive important documents, you can scan multiple documents fast with the optional automatic document feeder. It’s all at your fingertips with this powerful performer. Best of all, the energy-efficient LED means you can work smarter with faster scans and lower power consumption. Plus, with no warmup time, it’s easier than ever to get started.”
This is the scanner that I always recommend to my fellow artists and crafters. It is a wonderful tool to get quality images of your work. If mine ever breaks (fingers crossed! it has been very healthy for a few years) I would buy the same kind again 🙂
Click on the picture below to see this scanner on Amazon ↓
PS: If you already have a scanner, then all you need to get images of 3-D objects is to build a box that fits your machine. You can also experiment with a box that is already built. Before I built mine, I used to cover the objects to be scanned with a piece of black velvet. That is also a way to go.
——————————————————————- ♣ ——————————————————————-
UPDATE: Below in the comments area, Kerin Rose asked if this method would work well with shiny jewelry. I got some of the shiniest brooches that I found in my collection and ran a test. As you can see some areas came out overexposed. I believe that this can be prevented by playing around with the scanner settings or it could be corrected/improved using Photoshop.
*
LOVE this!
Pamela Bates/Mercantile Muse recently posted..Favorite Finds
Great, Pamela! I love using my scanner in this way.
Elsa Mora recently posted..Scanning 3-D Objects. My Favorite Scanner.
Hi Elsa, thank you very much for your idea, it’s really useful!! I’ve been always struggling with the scanning of my paper illustration!! thanks 😉
filipa pais rodrigues recently posted..the more I do, the more I like fabric origami… quanto mais faço, mais gosto de origami em tecido…
You’re welcome, Filipa! there is nothing better than a scanner to get detailed images of your illustrations.
Elsa Mora recently posted..Scanning 3-D Objects. My Favorite Scanner.
Great tutorial Elsa. I have a good scanner and I shall have a go at scanning my shells. Thanks for sharing.
Lorrie x
Lorrie recently posted..Illusion.Scene360 + Vine.co
Hi Lorrie! Your shells are going to be happy with the results 🙂
Elsa Mora recently posted..Scanning 3-D Objects. My Favorite Scanner.
Thank you for this – I have seen this idea before, but you explained it so well and made it seem so easy! I can’t wait to build a box and scan some of my paper flowers as well as some of my kids clay creations! Photographs don’t always do them justice. Thank you!
Thanks, Lucy! Have fun scanning everything! 🙂
Elsa Mora recently posted..Scanning 3-D Objects. My Favorite Scanner.
Wow! I have that same scanner and it never occurred to me that I could do such a thing. I can’t wait to try it. I loooooooove the way the plant scan turned out. Thank you!
Nessy recently posted..Sketchbook – Historic Office at Spring Grove Entrance
That’s great, Nessy! You’re going to love trying this. That scanner is really good.
Elsa Mora recently posted..Scanning 3-D Objects. My Favorite Scanner.
Elsa,
would this work with shiny stuff?…silver jewelry?….I have such difficulty photographing my work consistently…wondering ….
Hi Kerin! Take a look at the bottom of the post, I just ran a test for you.
Elsa Mora recently posted..Scanning 3-D Objects. My Favorite Scanner.
thank you !
You’re very welcome, Tasso!
Elsa Mora recently posted..Scanning 3-D Objects. My Favorite Scanner.
Thank you so much for sharing how to do that. It’s so simple and ingenius. I’ll have to try it with mine. I like the animated GIF too that shows the 3 easy steps.
Yes Melissa, you should try it. Then you won’t be able to stop 🙂
Elsa Mora recently posted..Scanning 3-D Objects. My Favorite Scanner.
Hi Elsa, I think you should tell Epson your idea, so they could build the cover as a shape of the box you have made.
H.Q, that’s a good idea. If I find a way to get in touch with them, I will send a link to this post.
Elsa Mora recently posted..Scanning 3-D Objects. My Favorite Scanner.
Greetings! Very helpful advice on this article! It is the little changes that make the biggest changes. Thanks a lot for sharing
Great words about Business Development here.. It’s hard to find quality writing like yours these days. I really appreciate people like you to tell me Desired Success & Business Development,thanks for sharing this one.
I wonder if you have any idea how to scan bookcovers with shiny / golden texts on it. When I do it, the shiny surface turns blackend out.
Thank you so much for testing the scanner with jewelry. I am getting tired of going outside taking pictures in the afternoon light with the digital camera. It’s cold in January in Connecticut! I am going to buy this scanner. Thank you again.
Thank you so much for this post!! I have recently decided to try using my polymer clay designs to try the services of an on-demand printing company and my only option seemed to be the purchase of a very expensive camera. They need a high resolution image and this Epson should do the trick! But until I saw your post I was worried about shadows, etc. Your box idea solves all that! Thank you, thank you!
I am just speechless with your information. You have covered a broad area for us. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
Sagar Ghosh recently posted..Hello world!