Virtual Screen Light Box

Most Lomographers use scanners as a part of their daily lives, some of us on the other hand have to make up new was to digitalize our precious analogue shots – in any scanning case it is necessary to have a good light source! My tip, use your computer screen and try different background to experiment with your photo results.

As we scan our films, always it’s a good idea to have a good light box. Those lucky enough to have one, make the most of them and for those who do not have one, you need not despair! There are several things you do to “DidItYourself” and one of the most fast and easy – no need to be a handyman, is to use of one of the best light boxes that we can all find very, very close to us! Indeed, it’s in front of you now. Your computer screen!

To avoid damaging your eyes, simply choose a white image to fill your screen. This also will allow you to stop making weird faces when you looking at your films through the light of the bedside lamp, ceiling, or window of the room. So, on this simple premise, I programmed a small website in flash, very easy, since all it does is fill the screen with white. Then to add a little extra kick to my photos when I like, I also added a feature to easily change the colour of my screen by hitting the arrow keys on the keyboard. Perfect for adding a little contrast to an image and highlight details.

So with my advice, you need only to open your browser at same time that you’re in a scanning program… and that’s it! And for those who have limited connection, you also can download from the Web to have it locally on your computer. Here are their links:

The Light Box flash site

Light Box for your PC, zip file.

written by sinvertigo on 2010-05-27 in #gear #tutorials #film #tips #scanning #tipster #lightbox