Skip to Main Content

Remote Learning Multimedia Resources

"Scanning" apps to help you digitize your 2D artwork

While using a flatbed or dedicated film scanner will yield best results, if you do not have access to a scanner, you can use your phone to perform some of the same functions. It is important to remember that images "scanned" by your phone are not going to be of the same high-quality you can achieve with a true scanner. Do not discard your original images or rely on these "scans".

Where scanning apps are best is in their ability to remove glare from your image and to make it fully square, even if your photograph is not taken directly straight-on. Each app does different things better than others - you may find yourself trying one or two and then deciding which is best for your needs. 

Apps for iOS 

  • Photomyne (Free) - This app takes the highest resolution images of those compared. For best results, users must turn off the automatically applied color correction. Full resolution photos require either subscription or purchase of the paid version of the app. 
  • PicScanner - 
  • Google Photoscan (Free) - Pros: Easy to use, best at removing glare or hotspots, compared to other scanner apps. Cons: Limits the resolution of your photos to 2 megapixels and quality is not the best. 

Apps for Android Android Icon

  • Photomyne (Free) - This app takes the highest resolution images of those compared. For best results, users must turn off the automatically applied color correction. Full resolution photos require either subscription or purchase of the paid version of the app. 
  • Google Photoscan (Free) - Pros: Easy to use, best at removing glare or hotspots, compared to other scanner apps. Cons: Limits the resolution of your photos to 2 megapixels and quality is not the best. 

How to Create and Use a Lightbox

  • DIY Light Box Instructions - Using simple items you may have around the house (a cardboard box, white printer paper or white fabric, tape, styrofoam, and desk lamps and bulbs) this tutorial will show you how to build a light box. With this tool, you can take well-lit photographs of three-dimensional objects against a white background. This is a good way to document small objects such as jewelry and pottery. 
  • How-to Videos
    • DIY Lightbox Video Tutorial - This video walks you through how to make your own lightbox using only a cardboard box, tape, fabric, poster board, and lights. 
  • Light Box Camera Settings - The Fashion Institute of Technology offers suggestions for setup of objects and camera settings for photography using a light box. While this page gives information for a specific light box model, the general tips on positioning and settings are applicable to light boxes in general and can be replicated for your own setup and digital camera. 

Photography - How to Get the Most out of your Camera

If you do not have a dedicated digital camera, you can still get decent photos using your cell phone.

Here are some tips and tricks to take good pictures with whatever camera you have, whether it is your cell phone or a digital camera.

Cell Phone Camera Tips

  • Make a cardboard stand for your phone using just cardboard or stiff cardstock, scissors, and a pencil. This can be used as a tripod to support your phone while taking a video of yourself or if you are taking a longer video and want the camera to be stable and motionless. 
  • Use the lighting around you to your advantage! Cell phone cameras perform poorer in low light. For the best photos, light your area evenly so your camera does not need to compensate for dim lighting. You could use natural daylight from a window (try putting a sheer curtain or sheet in front of it to diffuse the light and make it less harsh. Or, if you do not have good daylight in your space, you can use lamps you already have (point them towards a wall or ceiling to "bounce" the light off of the surface. This will make the ambient light more diffuse and softer). 
    • The Fashion Institute of Technology has a good tutorial on a Lighting Setup for Photography. While you might not have access to all of the tools they suggest, the general diagrams of how to setup and position your lights, camera, and subject are quite helpful. 

  Report a Problem with this Page