Skewing, Cropping & Resizing the Image:

When photographing artwork you want to take the photo straight on, or from above in order to avoid any skewing (distortion due to perspective), as well as unwanted background. However, in reality and without the proper kit, this is often hard to do.....

The Skew Tool:

Use the Skew tool to slant the image and counter any perspective distortion:

• Select the image to change, or click Ctrl-A to select all.

• In the menu bar, select Edit > Transform > Skew.

• A bounding box should appear around the selection.

• Click and drag one of the side handles to adjust the selection. It will stretch and distort diagonally depending on how far you skew it. Do this until the image is 'true' to the original.

Note: Crop the image after skewing to remove any unwanted background....

Cropping Images:

• Select the Crop Tool in the Toolbar, or press C (the Crop Tool shortcut).

• A 'crop-box' will appear around the image.

• Move in the corners of the box to crop unwanted areas. Click return to crop.

Note: After cropping you may want to resize the image to the size of the original artwork....

Resizing Images to a Standard Size (i.e. A3 Landscape):

• Go to Image > Image Size > a Image Size window will appear

• Here type in the dimensions of the format that you require (i.e. 29.7cm height x 42cm width for A3 landscape). Make sure that the constrained proportion icon is clicked, to keep the image in fixed proportion when resized, and not stretched.

• If, when you type in one of the dimensions (i.e. height) and the other dimension (i.e. width) becomes too small, then try typing the desired measurement in the other (i.e. width) box first. Note: you may need to crop the canvas when this is done.

• If it becomes too big for the required format, then you will either need to crop, or add to the canvas size.

To Crop or Add To a Canvas to Become a Standard Size (i.e. A3 Landscape):

• Go to Image > Canvas Size > a Canvas Size window will appear.

• Type in the dimensions that you require. You can also select anchor points (in the grid), which determine which sides of the image are either added to, or cropped.

Note: If adding to the canvas size, the additional area will be in the background colour....

Enhancing the Image Quality:

A digital version of your artwork should be a good representation of the original work. When altering the digital version, reference the artwork in natural daylight or under white fluorescent bulbs.

Photoshop has multiple ways to enhance images, and adjust elements such as exposure, brightness / contrast and colour.

'Auto' Enhancing:

Photoshop has several clever 'auto-enhancements' available under Image in the menu bar:

• Auto Tone will balance the light and dark ranges and remove yellow tinting.

• Auto Contrast will automatically balance contrast, which should give extra 'punch' to colour.

• Auto Color neutralises the midtones a little to correct any unwanted colour toning .

Note that all of the auto settings are what Photoshop determines to be right for the image, and you may be able to alter the balance better.....

Manual Adjustments:

There are further adjustments that can be done manually if you prefer, or if the Auto settings do not give the desired results. All of the below adjustments are on sliding tools, select Preview to see a live preview of the adjustments.

Useful adjustments:

• Brightness/Contrast

• Exposure here you can alter Gamma, which can cool yellow toning and make a photo more true to the original. Exposure brightens or darkens the image.

• Vibrance helps to brighten colour contrast. Saturation strengthens all colour, especially mid-tones.

• Hue/Saturation can change the colour tone, saturation and lightness/darkness.